XPR5 worth the upgrade?

[ninjahifi]

So I’ve been considering whether I would benefit from an upgrade to an XPR-5 from an XPA-5. More so than that, but would the additional items needed for this upgrade be worth it. To upgrade to the XPR-5 I would need to run a new 20 amp outlet and unfortunately I would need to look into a new TV stand that would accommodate it. I would also need to sell the XPA-5. I think if it made an improvement to my setup it would be worth it, so I’m looking for general input from the lounge on whether I should look into it or concentrate on something else (replacing surrounds to match fronts, better seating, etc.).


Right now my gear is as follows:
Paradigm Studio 100 V5 Mains
Paradigm Studio CC-690 V5 Center
JBL L830s Surrounds
(2) JBL L-8400p subwoofers
Marantz AV-8801 Processor
Emotiva XPA-5

I know a lot of what I need/want depends on what levels I use my system at and the size of the room. I do like to watch movies loud but I don’t think I crank it too high. I usually watch at -15 to -10 db some people have told me this is very high but I think it has to do with my area being large. The setup is on one side of a finished basement. The area it’s in measures 13’ 6” wide by 23’ 3” long. Also to the left side of this setup is more open (finished) basement space that measures roughly the same dimensions. Imagine a rectangular basement that measures 27’ wide by 23’ 3” long with two columns down the center. My stuff is setup on one side of the basement and the other side has a small bathroom and is otherwise open. Basement heights are 7’.

[bootman]

Unless you are currently clipping the xpa-5, I would concentrate on those other improvements you listed.
The XPA-5 isn't a slouch by any means.

Now if you got all new very demanding speakers we might be talking upgrade.

[audiophill]

I love my XPR-5 and pair of XPR-1's, just sayin! But if you don't have power hungry speakers the money should be spent on other things. However I must admit i have a pair of XPA-1's and the XPR-1's to me sound better! The xpr series is quite impressive!

[thorcorps]

While I've considered updating my HT setup to an XPR-5 as well (since I have XPR-1's in my 2-channel setup), like you, I haven't wanted to go through the hassle of reworking my racks and selling my existing amps. I'm using an XPA-2 for the mains and 3 channels of an XPA-5 for the center and surrounds (my room isn't long enough to benefit from going to 7.1 (18.5' long). With the XPA-5 working everything, I was starting to run out of headroom (my mains aren't particularly efficient and the room is treated). The addition of an XPA-2 that I already had to run the mains with did the trick. You could consider using something else to run your mains if you have room in your rack.

But if you don't really need additional power (yet), I'd probably start working on acoustic treatments (it sounds like you may not have added any yet).

[The Mad Norseman]

Jul 11, 2013 11:59:31 GMT -5 ninjahifi said:

So I’ve been considering whether I would benefit from an upgrade to an XPR-5 from an XPA-5. More so than that, but would the additional items needed for this upgrade be worth it. To upgrade to the XPR-5 I would need to run a new 20 amp outlet and unfortunately I would need to look into a new TV stand that would accommodate it. I would also need to sell the XPA-5. I think if it made an improvement to my setup it would be worth it, so I’m looking for general input from the lounge on whether I should look into it or concentrate on something else (replacing surrounds to match fronts, better seating, etc.).

Right now my gear is as follows:
Paradigm Studio 100 V5 Mains
Paradigm Studio CC-690 V5 Center
JBL L830s Surrounds
(2) JBL L-8400p subwoofers
Marantz AV-8801 Processor
Emotiva XPA-5

I know a lot of what I need/want depends on what levels I use my system at and the size of the room. I do like to watch movies loud but I don’t think I crank it too high. I usually watch at -15 to -10 db some people have told me this is very high but I think it has to do with my area being large. The setup is on one side of a finished basement. The area it’s in measures 13’ 6” wide by 23’ 3” long. Also to the left side of this setup is more open (finished) basement space that measures roughly the same dimensions. Imagine a rectangular basement that measures 27’ wide by 23’ 3” long with two columns down the center. My stuff is setup on one side of the basement and the other side has a small bathroom and is otherwise open. Basement heights are 7’.

You've got a very nice set up there, but switching to the XPR-5 (the amplifier I'm using) would only gain you about 3db of headroom for the doubling in power output.
I think your speakers are reasonably efficient as is, so not a lot to benefit from.
But, the XPR-5 is a tremendous bargain, and a top performer "Clip no more" is my slogan!
It is Emotiva's "Reference" line as well, and the build quality is top-notch as well.
So there might be other reasons you might want to switch anyway(?). Why not?! Its on sale right now too!

As to watching movies loud at -15db to -10db, that's about the range I watch in also (I also have the same surround processor you have), but I've found that's not a consistent measurement - from Blu-ray disc, to Blu-ray disc I mean.
Because they're all level-mixed differently! I've had some Blu-rays that were PLENTY LOUD at -21db, and others that I had to crank up to -11db to get satisfaction.
So that really depends upon the source signal level the disc's sound engineer sets, and not so much your speakers or amplifier.
(My room is 19' x 26' with a higher than normal sloped ceiling).

[yeeeha17]

Most would agree that try to do some room treatments first and see if its enough improvements for you. I want the XPR series also but planning on room treatments and new speakers first before I switch my amps. I think my money would be well spent on those upgrades rather than an am upgrade IMHO

[Porscheguy]

Its funny that some comment on this who don't even own (or have ever even heard the XPR series).....




Unlike others, I owned an XPA-5 and XPA-1's and there is huge difference in dynamics. I also maintain that the XPR series simply sounds better with great nuance and will play very loud without being shouty..

[bootman]

Jul 11, 2013 14:57:09 GMT -5 Porscheguy said:

Its funny that some comment on this who don't even own (or have ever even heard the XPR series).....




Unlike others, I owned an XPA-5 and XPA-1's and there is huge difference in dynamics. I also maintain that the XPR series simply sounds better with great nuance and will play very loud without being shouty..

So it your opinion it would be a better use of funds vs matching surrounds and seating, correct?
This is basically what he is asking.

[Porscheguy]

Jul 11, 2013 15:27:19 GMT -5 bootman said:

Jul 11, 2013 14:57:09 GMT -5 Porscheguy said:

Its funny that some comment on this who don't even own (or have ever even heard the XPR series).....




Unlike others, I owned an XPA-5 and XPA-1's and there is huge difference in dynamics. I also maintain that the XPR series simply sounds better with great nuance and will play very loud without being shouty..

So it your opinion it would be a better use of funds vs matching surrounds and seating, correct?
This is basically what he is asking.

I don't know, I'm not in his room. Is the the XPR worth the upgrade over the XPA? Yes.

[deltadube]

Jul 11, 2013 11:59:31 GMT -5 ninjahifi said:

So I’ve been considering whether I would benefit from an upgrade to an XPR-5 from an XPA-5. More so than that, but would the additional items needed for this upgrade be worth it. To upgrade to the XPR-5 I would need to run a new 20 amp outlet and unfortunately I would need to look into a new TV stand that would accommodate it. I would also need to sell the XPA-5. I think if it made an improvement to my setup it would be worth it, so I’m looking for general input from the lounge on whether I should look into it or concentrate on something else (replacing surrounds to match fronts, better seating, etc.).


Right now my gear is as follows:
Paradigm Studio 100 V5 Mains
Paradigm Studio CC-690 V5 Center
JBL L830s Surrounds
(2) JBL L-8400p subwoofers
Marantz AV-8801 Processor
Emotiva XPA-5

I know a lot of what I need/want depends on what levels I use my system at and the size of the room. I do like to watch movies loud but I don’t think I crank it too high. I usually watch at -15 to -10 db some people have told me this is very high but I think it has to do with my area being large. The setup is on one side of a finished basement. The area it’s in measures 13’ 6” wide by 23’ 3” long. Also to the left side of this setup is more open (finished) basement space that measures roughly the same dimensions. Imagine a rectangular basement that measures 27’ wide by 23’ 3” long with two columns down the center. My stuff is setup on one side of the basement and the other side has a small bathroom and is otherwise open. Basement heights are 7’.


Hi   nice speakers!..   sure go for it... the paradigms love the extra power...  i had xpa 3 and then added xpa 1s  was a nice improvement...

  i only dream about xpr 1s... 

    cheers  

[LCSeminole]

Yes going from an XPA to an XPR you will hear a notable difference, but there is something to be said for matching surround speakers to your front stage. Both will make a difference. Are the Paradigm Studio line of speakers power hungry, if so maybe the XPR is the way go. If not then the ADP-590's or Studio 10/20's is the way to go. Remember surrounds will not require much power, but you might be surprised what more headroom will do for your center and fronts.

[The Mad Norseman]

Jul 11, 2013 17:26:19 GMT -5 LCSeminole said:

Yes going from an XPA to an XPR you will hear a notable difference, but there is something to be said for matching surround speakers to your front stage. Both will make a difference. Are the Paradigm Studio line of speakers power hungry, if so maybe the XPR is the way go. If not then the ADP-590's or Studio 10/20's is the way to go. Remember surrounds will not require much power, but you might be surprised what more headroom will do for your center and fronts.

^Right, what lcseminole said!
I also noticed a big improvement, but I was coming from a 130w x 2 AVR, so I would expect that, and it wouldn't be a fair comparison.
But here's a first-hand testimony going from an XPA-5, to XPR-5 that's gotta be believed!

Matching speakers across the front sound stage is also certainly worthwhile.
Eventually that, and the new amp will happen, so does it really matter which comes first as long as its not a long time between them?

[Deleted]

Jul 11, 2013 11:59:31 GMT -5 ninjahifi said:

So I’ve been considering whether I would benefit from an upgrade to an XPR-5 from an XPA-5. More so than that, but would the additional items needed for this upgrade be worth it. To upgrade to the XPR-5 I would need to run a new 20 amp outlet and unfortunately I would need to look into a new TV stand that would accommodate it. I would also need to sell the XPA-5. I think if it made an improvement to my setup it would be worth it, so I’m looking for general input from the lounge on whether I should look into it or concentrate on something else (replacing surrounds to match fronts, better seating, etc.).


Right now my gear is as follows:
Paradigm Studio 100 V5 Mains
Paradigm Studio CC-690 V5 Center
JBL L830s Surrounds
(2) JBL L-8400p subwoofers
Marantz AV-8801 Processor
Emotiva XPA-5

I know a lot of what I need/want depends on what levels I use my system at and the size of the room. I do like to watch movies loud but I don’t think I crank it too high. I usually watch at -15 to -10 db some people have told me this is very high but I think it has to do with my area being large. The setup is on one side of a finished basement. The area it’s in measures 13’ 6” wide by 23’ 3” long. Also to the left side of this setup is more open (finished) basement space that measures roughly the same dimensions. Imagine a rectangular basement that measures 27’ wide by 23’ 3” long with two columns down the center. My stuff is setup on one side of the basement and the other side has a small bathroom and is otherwise open. Basement heights are 7’.

Of course it's worth it. Don't even think about it, just buy the XPR-5. I have one and a XPR-2 and my system never sounded so good. Played dark side of the moon (sacd) all I can say is WOW!!!!

[chicagorspec]

Jul 11, 2013 15:39:42 GMT -5 Porscheguy said:

Jul 11, 2013 15:27:19 GMT -5 bootman said:

So it your opinion it would be a better use of funds vs matching surrounds and seating, correct?
This is basically what he is asking.

I don't know, I'm not in his room. Is the the XPR worth the upgrade over the XPA? Yes.

Chiming in as another who went from XPA-1s and an XPA-5 to XPR-1s and an XPR-5, very well put.

[ninjahifi]

Thanks everyone for the input.

Glad to be a part of these forums.

Everyone brings up some really good points and now I'm more convinced that an XPR-5 is definitely in my future.

However, since there's so much involved with getting it, I think I'm gonna get matching surrounds first and then slowly make the changes (new stand, run 20 AMP line) to hopefully pick up the XPR-5 around the holidays.

Now to decide between the dipoles or the regular monopoles! Always decisions to be made. Thanks again to everyone.

[pedrocols]

I think we should make a group purchase of the XPR series amp and request a substantial discount. But if we do that then there will be no forum. It is not fun if we all have the same amp...

[ninjahifi]

Pedrocols now THAT'S an idea! But your right then no more forums!!

[rlw2]

Matching surrounds and room treatments would be the prudent move...



-RW-

[deltadube]

Jul 11, 2013 21:58:59 GMT -5 ninjahifi said:

Thanks everyone for the input.

Glad to be a part of these forums.

Everyone brings up some really good points and now I'm more convinced that an XPR-5 is definitely in my future.

However, since there's so much involved with getting it, I think I'm gonna get matching surrounds first and then slowly make the changes (new stand, run 20 AMP line) to hopefully pick up the XPR-5 around the holidays.

Now to decide between the dipoles or the regular monopoles! Always decisions to be made. Thanks again to everyone.

the adp 590 sound great to me for the movies at the side surround position....

a set of 20s in the back one day if i ever get my ht room built..

cheers

[Deleted]

One old fart's opinion in order of priority:

#1 Get the matching Paradigm surrounds (ADP-590 dipole model).

#2 Upgrade to the XPR-5. With that size room every extra watt will help for peak dynamics.

#3 (No offense intended to your JBL subs) Upgrade your subs(s). I recommend for that size room a ported sub from one of the best factory direct firms. Several recommendations: HSU VTF-15H, SVS PB12-Plus, Outlaw Audio LFM-1 EX or the Rythmik FV-15HP (not in any order). These are all large and heavy for a reason. They go lower, louder and with less distortion (great for movies, but still are very good for music) than small to medium subs (and sealed subs which tend to be excellent for music but not as good for movies. Don't go by power in watts on subs. The smaller but quality subs usually need higher power amps to compensate for the enclosure size and other factors.

www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-15h.html

www.svsound.com/subwoofers/ported-box/pb12-plus#.Ud-Y-UHVBx0

www.outlawaudio.com/products/lfmEX.html

www.rythmikaudio.com/FV15HP.html




PS:  Concerning the 20 amp circuit, it usually is not necessary.  See post below from our leader.

 Post by Big Dan Laufman in may 2013:

XPR-5 outlet HELP!!!!
May 4, 2013 at 7:06am Quote Post by Dan Laufman on May 4, 2013 at 7:06am

Hi guys,
As I've said several times before, we use the 20 amp style connector because we must pass
CE testing and the 15 amp style is not adequate for the currents that can be drawn during compliance testing. The use of the plug adapters is completely safe in a house with normal wiring.

But remember, you are not running load banks with continuous sine wave testing at home. You are playing movies and listening to music. The duty cycle is far less demanding.

Now, if you want to, and especially if you have several large amplifiers in the system, you should consider running a dedicated 20 amp feed, but the reality is that it is not really necessary for most humans.

The XPR's can ask for large power peaks, but the average home power wiring is usually quite adequate and completely safe. The great thing about home circuits is they are designed to allow brief high current spikes, but long term overloads (the type that cause the house wiring to heat up and pose a safety risk) are well protected by your homes circuit breakers.

There are a few of you out there that can exceed the capabilities of any power source, but we're talking about normal people at the moment.

My rule is this. Try it. If you EVER trip the breaker, upgrade the service. 99+ % of you will never have to do this.
Cheers,
Big Dan