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Post by EmoBlue (Jack) on Jan 12, 2009 9:07:11 GMT -5
Thanks, guys. I think my mids are somewhat recessed and when I add volume to bring out the mids I really hear the extra loud highs. l think if I had amplification throughout the full range I wouldn't notice the "brightness" as much. I don't get that on all music but on certain music especially on music with female voices that are somewhat high pitched anyway I really notice it. That makes sense! Naah. I am currently running my center from my 875 while the Quests are running on the RPA-1. The center is definitely "different", but still adjustable. I had to run the center to -4dB when I switched it off of the IPS-1. You may have to decrease or increase this in your Denon channel volume control to taste. |
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Post by candysking on Jan 12, 2009 16:52:35 GMT -5
Hmmm. You all have me second guessing my choice 3 weeks ago to get an XPA-2 to power my B&W 803D's. Although we are using it in our 5.1 set up(Using a Denon 4308ci as processor and powering the center and rears,) my wife and tend to listen to 2 channel more frequently.
We were blown away in the first 5 minutes when the XPA-2 was powered up as compared to the Denon amplifiers and an Adcom 545 2 channel amp. Anybody done any side by side of the RPA vs XPA with any B&W speakers? Do I need to order an RPA-2 and see for myself? I may want to keep them both, and add a 3rd Emo amp. You Emotiva guys sure make life difficult. Well, maybe we call that fun!!
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edmondwolfman
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Post by edmondwolfman on Jan 12, 2009 19:09:19 GMT -5
How hot or cool do the RPA-2s run? I will have to place the amp in a cabinet with glass front door. There are no built in fans but there are 2 large slots in the back of the cabinet where one can put there hands through to do cable hookups.
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RPA-1 man
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Post by RPA-1 man on Jan 12, 2009 19:22:19 GMT -5
How hot or cool do the RPA-2s run? I will have to place the amp in a cabinet with glass front door. There are no built in fans but there are 2 large slots in the back of the cabinet where one can put there hands through to do cable hookups. Shouldn't be a problem. My RPA-1 is in a wood cabinet with glass doors as well. Although the back is open. There is 1" from the top of the amp to the bottom of the shelf above it. Even during the hottest part of summer it was barely warm to the touch after being on for 8 hours or more. |
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Post by EmoBlue (Jack) on Jan 12, 2009 21:53:45 GMT -5
...Anybody done any side by side of the RPA vs XPA with any B&W speakers? Do I need to order an RPA-2 and see for myself? Yep! The more this is done, the better folks can make more specific decisions. The real problem here is that each amp has its forte. How each blends with a specific speaker, preamp and the listener's brain defines the overall emotional impact. As you can probably figure, that makes it tough. The lounger grapenuts has MartinLogans, as I do, but runs an XPA and a couple Classe monoblocks. I prefer the RPA. There just aren't any guarantees! I usually listen to the person's use of adjectives rather than his constituent equipment list.  Since you've been using an XPA-2 and you've loved it, you may have become used to the sound (it is a great amp, don't misread me). To you, the RPA-2 may seem less "punchy", not as dynamic as the XPA. Or, conversely, you may say, "Oh my God, I love this RPA so much! I can't believe I was actually missing all that detail!". What you've proposed is the only true way for you to decide which one you will like better. |
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Post by EmoBlue (Jack) on Jan 12, 2009 21:59:19 GMT -5
How hot or cool do the RPA-2s run? As rpa1man says, the RPA is ice cold. All of Emotiva's class H amps are known for this. The class H is a "rail tracker" amp, it only feeds the amount of voltage needed to the output gauged by the dynamic input of some milliseconds before. The end result is high efficiency and extremely low temperatures. |
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edmondwolfman
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Post by edmondwolfman on Jan 13, 2009 0:21:20 GMT -5
EmoBlue, what do you run your center channel from? I'm assuming you use the 2 RPA-1s for mains and surrounds so do you still use your AVR to run the center channel? If so how does that work as far as level matching? Do you just bump up the center channel a few dbs?
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Post by EmoBlue (Jack) on Jan 13, 2009 7:20:00 GMT -5
EmoBlue, what do you run your center channel from? I'm assuming you use the 2 RPA-1s for mains and surrounds so do you still use your AVR to run the center channel? If so how does that work as far as level matching? Do you just bump up the center channel a few dbs? You are exactly correct. I'm obviously in disarray with amps right now. It's even worse than it seems, since I haven't received my second RPA-1, yet. ;D Currently, I'm running the mains with the RPA-1 and the center with the Onkyo SR 875. This is not as disproportional as you might think, though. In fact, powerwise, it's almost the same! For a receiver, the Onkyo SR875 delivers extremely close to its rated spec of 140 wpc into 8 ohms. Driving all 7 channels, it falls to 128 wpc, still admirable by general CE standards. But, I'm only using ONE channel. Take a look at the following graphic I put together from Sound and Vision's Test Bench:  Source: www.soundandvisionmag.com/receivers/2463/test-bench-onkyo-tx-sr875-av-receiver.htmlMy center, then, is getting 200 wpc. Add to that that it's fairly efficient speaker and the result is that I actually apply a -4 dB from what it was balanced to when I drove all of my channels from the IPS-1. EDIT: verbiage. |
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mmadden28
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Post by mmadden28 on Jan 13, 2009 11:10:47 GMT -5
Just reading this review now. Very nice write up EmoBlue. Very well written and an enjoyable, even inspiring, read.   Thanks!! Now I think I might have to try out an RPA-2 on my Polk Lsi9's. Hmmm.  now how can I get away with this?  |
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Post by EmoBlue (Jack) on Jan 13, 2009 12:09:12 GMT -5
Just reading this review now. Very nice write up EmoBlue. Very well written and an enjoyable, even inspiring, read. Thanks!! Now I think I might have to try out an RPA-2 on my Polk Lsi9's. Hmmm. now how can I get away with this? Thank you for your kind words! Actually, looking at your substantial list of equipment, I'm absolutely blown away on how you got away with it in the past! ;D Interestingly, my RPA-1 is the one that Chris Groppi ( cgroppi ) adopted following his review of the RSP-1/RPA-1 combo in Secrets. I'm pretty sure you've read his review of the XPA-1's and his comparison of them to the RPA-1. Since you already own a pair of XPA-1's, I'm intrigued with what aspect of the RPA you are most interested in. I also look forward to your purchase of an RPA-2 so we can all get another view (Chris' was great, don't get me wrong!) of the comparison between Emotiva's two reference amplifiers. As I mention in the review, I only listened to Chris' XPA-1's for a short period of time, but was wholly impressed. |
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edmondwolfman
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Post by edmondwolfman on Jan 13, 2009 19:35:16 GMT -5
I understand to many here that the RPA-2 (1) may be more musical than the XPA-2 but that the XPA-2 is more powerful. What is the diffence in the amplification that would make one sound more musical than the other?
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Post by EmoBlue (Jack) on Jan 13, 2009 20:44:14 GMT -5
I understand to may here that the RPA-2 (1) may be more musical that the XPA-2 but that the XPA-2 is more powerful. What is the diffence in the amplification that would make one sound more musical than the other? Every amplifier has its "sound". I know this to be a fact. Emotiva amps are said to be engineered to be on the "neutral" side. I take that to mean that they reproduce the source as-is and don't tend to "color" it. I am not an electrical engineer, so I can't speak on what they do to render a specific sound to an amplifier. Maybe one of the other loungers knows how they do this. It is an interesting question, though! That the XPA-2 is more powerful, though, is empirical. The RPA could be made more powerful while retaining its trademark sound and visa versa. Does anyone here know how an amplifier is engineered to render a specific sonic quality? |
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mmadden28
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Post by mmadden28 on Jan 14, 2009 2:20:21 GMT -5
.... Actually, looking at your substantial list of equipment, I'm absolutely blown away on how you got away with it in the past! ;D ... He He--That list is far from complete... and quiet down-she might hear you-  she doesn't know about most of it. Well OK I had to let her know about the new PJ and 110" screen-just too hard to hide that .... Since you already own a pair of XPA-1's, I'm intrigued with what aspect of the RPA you are most interested in. I also look forward to your purchase of an RPA-2 so we can all get another view (Chris' was great, don't get me wrong!) of the comparison between Emotiva's two reference amplifiers. As I mention in the review, I only listened to Chris' XPA-1's for a short period of time, but was wholly impressed. Well I'm not really sure why I would be leaning towards the RPA-2 (and I said I might-by the way ). The RPA line is a new discovery for me. I always thought the XPA series was the ultimate level in amps from Emo. In my very very brief research so far I'd say the blurb about the amp at the Emo sale site "This is an amplifier for the serious audiophile." and your review and some other comments I've seen so far. I guess I'm the type that has to try them out to see for myself if I hear a difference and if its worth it or not (to me). I still have to do more research on it. I already have the HT covered (well actually starting a second one) but I am gearing my 2 channel rig to be more musical than loud (although I do like loud). I just haven't really had much time to do any critical listening or comparisons yet (I'm a notorious procrastinator). I'm actually having a hard time doing comparisons as I have a very short audio memory and almost zero eloquence at describing what I hear-although more and more I am able to pick out sounds that sound simply awful in lesser sound systems any more. and thus I am better able to appreciate the sounds I am hearing in my 2 channel rig. I mean I used to think my car sounded pretty good. Not so much anymore. Just so busy with work and mostly family, 3 and 5 yo boys. They get the absolute priority-the audio gear will still be there. I just don't want to rush through any of the audio enjoyment either. Once I get myself setup with a nice easy way to do some quick A/B comparisons and get some good familiar music to compare with, I'll make some determinations and perhaps even post my observations. The RPA-2, if it happens, will be a little later down the pike-once I get my listen on with what I have for now. (famous last words) peace -Madden |
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Post by EmoBlue (Jack) on Jan 14, 2009 10:04:45 GMT -5
He He--That list is far from complete... and quiet down-she might hear you- she doesn't know about most of it. Our house is too small to hide new equipment.  ;D Seriously, my wife reads my postings and asks questions, as well. She is starting to "get it". I'll make an audiophile out of her yet! ;D ...but I am gearing my 2 channel rig to be more musical than loud Ahh...now we are getting to it! The RPA-2, if it happens, will be a little later down the pike-once I get my listen on with what I have for now. (famous last words) It's only a matter of time! ;D |
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edmondwolfman
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Post by edmondwolfman on Jan 14, 2009 13:21:40 GMT -5
He He--That list is far from complete... and quiet down-she might hear you- she doesn't know about most of it. Our house is too small to hide new equipment. ;D Seriously, my wife reads my postings and asks questions, as well. She is starting to "get it". I'll make an audiophile out of her yet! ;D Ahh...now we are getting to it! The RPA-2, if it happens, will be a little later down the pike-once I get my listen on with what I have for now. (famous last words) It's only a matter of time! ;D ;D ;D ;D RPA-2 on order ;D ;D ;D |
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Post by EmoBlue (Jack) on Jan 15, 2009 2:48:44 GMT -5
It's only a matter of time! ;D Yes!! Congratulations, Wolfie! You're going to love it! ;D |
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Post by edmondwolfman on Jan 15, 2009 8:59:47 GMT -5
What I keep reading on this forum is that if you want great 2 channel music you should use the RPA series and if you want great HT you should get one of the XPA series. I do use my system for HT as well. My question is, if I add the RPA-2 to my system to drive the FR and FL and drive the other 3.1 with my Denon 3808 shouldn't my HT sound just as good or not better than if I was driving all 5.1 with the Denon only? Seeing those other posts is making me start to second guess!
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Post by EmoBlue (Jack) on Jan 15, 2009 20:51:48 GMT -5
What I keep reading on this forum is that if you want great 2 channel music you should use the RPA series and if you want great HT you should get one of the XPA series. That's the general rule. However, I think you'll notice that most "lounge helpers" also ask what his/her percentage mix of music/theater is. I also pay close attention to the way the person describes how they experience music. All those aspects create a better picture of which family of amps the person will most likely prefer. This entire thread has been about that, and I don't see Arctikdeth hanging out here discussing the delicacy and finesse of music. This isn't to denigrate any given user (and certainly not Rusty, 'cause, personally, I think he's pretty cool), it's to prove a point. Besides, when you said, " I am mostly about music and the way it sounds more so than the loud crashes etc. of a movie" I knew you would like the RPA. I also think that the outstanding separation the RPA's have will knock your socks off. I do use my system for HT as well. My question is, if I add the RPA-2 to my system to drive the FR and FL and drive the other 3.1 with my Denon 3808 shouldn't my HT sound just as good or not better than if I was driving all 5.1 with the Denon only? Seeing those other posts is making me start to second guess! Given that the Denon 3808CI is a Denon, its real-world wattage is probably pretty close (Onkyo and Denon are two of the few that actually perform extremely close or better than their stated wattage). It will blend nicely with the RPA-2. I'm sure you love your Denon (other than the brightness you spoke of); I've heard nothing but good about their products. The fact is, though, your AVR (and mine, as well) are fine home theater receivers. The RPA-2 is an audiophile amp. In my setup, it's the best I've heard. The differences can be subtle and many who post here are waxing poetic over these subtle differences that some simply cannot hear. However, I've yet to have anyone who truly listens to music not notice the difference. If you are in that ballpark (and I think you are, from your comments), you will love the RPA-2 for it's two channel qualities. In the theater mode, you will still hear this quality sound, but you may not be used to the different sound you will hear. Hopefully this isn't redundant, but when I tested the XPA-2 and the RPA-2, I found the XPA to be a true winner with the explosions and other extremely dynamic effects. The bass was massively louder and more full than the RPA-1. However, the balance and definition of the RPA-1 far exceeded the XPA. The Onkyo 875, as good as it is, is not anywhere close to either of them. However, in my set up, I find no issue with using both the Onkyo and the RPA-1 concurrently when listening to movies. If I want to put more umph into my bass, I can turn my sub up a notch. So far, though, I've seen no need to. I certainly would not trade it out for anything. ;D YMMV, but I doubt it. EDIT: grammar. |
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Post by EmoBlue (Jack) on Jan 15, 2009 20:57:44 GMT -5
...I personally love tyhe looks of the rpa-2, and at 350 watts into 4 ohm, I think youll be more than happy. Thoiose amps are gorgeous. That will be my next purchase, the rpa amp/pre-amp combo for my personal listening room. I have read all the reviews about these fine amps, they are wicked! Well, so much for that example! ;D |
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arctikdeth
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Post by arctikdeth on Jan 15, 2009 21:11:49 GMT -5
hahaha, just read above post now. laughing.
ill love to do the side by side compare as well. i wont go into detail about finesse and all t hat stuff, thats in my audioreview memo.
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now how can I get away with this? 
she doesn't know about most of it. 
;D
