XPR5 worth the upgrade?

[garbulky]

I wonder how much power you really need with those subs taking the brunt end of the bass... but I've never owned them so I would listen to those that have.
You could sell your marantz for about 2k and buy an XMC-1 using an upgrade card bought on the forum for savings. This way you'll actually have some cash for your upgrades and still have a fantastic pre-pro

[Porscheguy]

Jul 12, 2013 1:02:05 GMT -5 @chuckienut said:

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

Well said as usual

[The Mad Norseman]

But those JBL L8400 subs are NICE subs - no slouch there!
(I've heard them, and they're very nice performers).
I'd get the XPR-5, keep the subs, add room treatments, and match the front sound signature.

[Lsc]

Yes, the XPR-5 is a substantial upgrade from the XPA-5.

You will then probably look to upgrade your other gear to the level of the XPR, if they are not that level.

XPA-5 - very good sound vs. XPR-5 - makes some things sound downright real!

It's a worthwhile upgrade, especially because you can sell the XPA-5 and therefore your 'net' cost is at or under 1K.

[Deleted]

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply the JBL subs were substandard (pun intended). When I talk upgrade for HT, I go for very low bass output. The JBL L8400 is a very nice medium size sub, about 15.5" cube and a relatively light 58 lbs. This should be very nice for music but not real low down (another pun) for movies or pipe organs. If the OP is satisfied then that is fine. I'm only suggesting the sub upgrade as one that would get performance down in the 17-22Hz range for real movie buffs. Regardless of the specs I couldn't find a published test review, but I would guess the JBL is good down closer to 25-27HZ (at -3dB range). In my recommendations I am talking about subs 50-100% heavier with much larger enclosures. If the OP is not a bass freak the JBL sub will do great for most music and good for many folks for HT. But with the nice Paradigm speakers, a super amp and a large room, I think a top performing sub is a nice match. Just my opinion not only for the OP but anyone else reading the thread.

[mjrtoo]

Jul 11, 2013 18:03:01 GMT -5 The Mad Norseman said:

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?

Speakers make the biggest difference, as well as room treatments.

[Deleted]

+1 agreed

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..