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Post by bluemeanies on Jan 1, 2014 12:53:41 GMT -5
I am SERIOUSLY considering purchasing the Emotiva XPR2 amplifier. I have a 6.2 configuration for my dedicated home theater and I also enjoy listening to two channel stereo with my 804S B&W's. I want to step up into 600 watts for my mains as the 804's require a lot of power and my Outlaw 200watt per is a minimum requirement. I have a friend who has since moved who had the same setup as myself with a 200watt per channel amp but his 804's were being driven by the Emotiva XPR2...I did notice a difference in performance with his mains.
My question is an I apologize if this is a stupid question on how to set up the XPR2 with my existing configuration. Is it as simple as disconnecting my cables from the Outlaw 7700 (804's) and connecting them to the XPR?
Also does anyone know how much longer the Christmas sale is on. I was going to place an order tomorrow or Friday.
Thanks for the help, and Happy New Year
Frank
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Post by mshump on Jan 1, 2014 12:57:58 GMT -5
Is it as simple as disconnecting my cables from the Outlaw 7700 (804's) and connecting them to the XPR?
Yes
The sale ends 1/5/14
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Post by novisnick on Jan 1, 2014 13:07:06 GMT -5
I am SERIOUSLY considering purchasing the Emotiva XPR2 amplifier. I have a 6.2 configuration for my dedicated home theater and I also enjoy listening to two channel stereo with my 804S B&W's. I want to step up into 600 watts for my mains as the 804's require a lot of power and my Outlaw 200watt per is a minimum requirement. I have a friend who has since moved who had the same setup as myself with a 200watt per channel amp but his 804's were being driven by the Emotiva XPR2...I did notice a difference in performance with his mains. My question is an I apologize if this is a stupid question on how to set up the XPR2 with my existing configuration. Is it as simple as disconnecting my cables from the Outlaw 7700 (804's) and connecting them to the XPR? Also does anyone know how much longer the Christmas sale is on. I was going to place an order tomorrow or Friday. Thanks for the help, and Happy New Year Frank No, No, No,,,,,it's not that simple,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I think you must consider the XPR-1s. If you can, don't stop at a half measure.........Ask Deltadube about Mono Blocks! just my 2 cents,,,,,,,,,,or in this case,,,,,,,,,$1639.00 more,,,,,but you would never look back Nick |
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Post by bluemeanies on Jan 1, 2014 13:37:59 GMT -5
$1639.00 MORE I cannot afford. If I could afford that kind of cash I think I would be looking at Mcintosh...something used.
But I appreciate your input.
So you think the XPR is a waste of time and effort?
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Post by novisnick on Jan 1, 2014 13:55:40 GMT -5
$1639.00 MORE I cannot afford. If I could afford that kind of cash I think I would be looking at Mcintosh...something used. But I appreciate your input. So you think the XPR is a waste of time and effort? Goodness no, the XPR line is wonderful, ask boom about the R-2, he will tell you how happy he is with that amp! I was just saying ,,,because I was going that route and then desired to wait and save for the mono's. I'm sure either would do a great job for you.,,,,,Like I said, it was just two cents worth of opinion from a novice in this field. Nick |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 1, 2014 14:04:00 GMT -5
You could also look at a pair of used xpa-1 monos, I saw a pair earlier for 1300 shipped ..... Just a thought also
Now I own an xpr-2 and it IS worth the time effort and $. I usually don't listen at really loud volumes so most of the power is a "waste" but the detail and separation it added plus taming my known to be bright polks makes it a keeper for me. <<<< just my opinion
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Post by repeetavx on Jan 1, 2014 14:21:34 GMT -5
You're going to find some members here with a strong preference for monoblocks. I've just moved from an XPA-2 to .. um, er, "monoblocks". I found that shortening my speaker cables, (9 gauge) from eight feet to two and a half feet, really increased definition and bass detail. It also all but eliminated sibilance and glare.
So as much as we love our monoblocks, a stereo amp can sound excellent. Especially the XPR series. I would just caution to keep your speaker wires short.
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Post by Boomzilla on Jan 1, 2014 14:38:39 GMT -5
What I've found is that by using Blue Jeans cables (with their welded terminals), I get the advantages of "short speaker cables" which is traditionally one of the biggest advantages of mono block amplifiers. By measured resistance, my Blue Jeans cables have less series resistance than the short "jumper cables" I used with the amps in immediate proximity to the speakers. That means that I can use a single XPR-2 and get the increased detail that normally is the province only of mono block amps. I have my speakers bi-wired with two 10-foot runs of Blue Jeans 10-gauge cable. OMG this sounds GOOD!
That said, if you're listening at stadium rock levels, then yes, mono blocks may be justified. Otherwise, the XPR-2 continues to amaze me. Watching a movie last night, I was startled again and again by how good the soundtrack sounded - depth, air, width, detail - it just doesn't get any better.
I've also owned McIntosh amps (a MC240 tube job and the MC352 super amp). I find the XPR-2 to be better (or at least the full equal) of the MC352. The MC240 was a lower powered amp so I won't try to do direct comparisons.
If you've got the money for the XPR-2, do NOT feel like you're being short-changed by not being able to afford the pair of XPR-1s. Also, for my money, given the choice between a used pair of XPA-1s and the XPR-2, I choose the XPR-2. I've never had XPA-1s in my system, so I'm not talking from experience, but I have had the XPA-2. Given the choice between the XPA-2 and XPR-2, I'd say the R is worth the extra money.
Happy shopping & Happy New Year
Boomzilla
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Post by krazystang on Jan 1, 2014 16:25:11 GMT -5
Get the XPR-2 and call it a day. The blocks are not worth the added cost. At-least i didnt think so going from XPA-2 to XPA-1's.
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Post by bluemeanies on Jan 1, 2014 21:43:34 GMT -5
Hey guys thanks for all of your humble opinions.
I am not making this purchase because of a volume issue but more from a choice of stronger detail and depth in my 804's. As I said my Outlaw 7700 at 200 watts per channel is a bare minimum requirement for those speakers. I was quite impressed with my friends XPR2 driving HIS 804's and I would like to be ablle to acquire the same kind of detail. I believe the XPR1's might be overkill but of course this is an opinion.
Let me ask if one were to decide between the XPR2 or two of the of the XPA1's which choice would get your vote.
I am leaning towards the XPR2
Thanks again
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Post by Deleted on Jan 1, 2014 21:56:38 GMT -5
I bought an xpr-2 so that's where my vote lands..... I usually don't listen at really loud levels either (65 db at mlp) most of the time the 2nd led doesn't even flicker but it's very easy during intense action scenes to jump from 1 led to 4 or 5 so to me having the power on tap is just insurance.
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Post by deltadube on Jan 1, 2014 22:44:33 GMT -5
I bought an xpr-2 so that's where my vote lands..... I usually don't listen at really loud levels either (65 db at mlp) most of the time the 2nd led doesn't even flicker but it's very easy during intense action scenes to jump from 1 led to 4 or 5 so to me having the power on tap is just insurance. you must crank up your movies... I vote for xpa 1s..  mono blocks.. funny I get the lights going from 1 to 1/2 way across in cd music play back vs movies not really doing to much but how important ins the detail of a train crash vs the smash of a kick drums or plucks of strings etc.... im sure they are both good cheers |
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Post by bluemeanies on Jan 2, 2014 7:33:37 GMT -5
I just realized I never address the issue of cables noted in a previous post. My cable lengths run are about six feet and I do not want to shorten them. They are MIT Terminator cables that I picked up at a very reasonable price back a number of years ago.
Did I understand in my reading at some point that the XPR series are a better build than the XPA series? I am not saying the XPA is inferior just that the XPR are built a bit different than their predecessor.
So far it's a tie XPR2-2 and XPA1-1
I am stilling leaning toward the XPR2 but I like the feedback.
Thanks everybody,
Frank
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Post by Boomzilla on Jan 2, 2014 7:37:59 GMT -5
Emotiva says that they use premium quality parts in the XPR series (being less financially constrained than on the XPA & UPA series amps). I've not disassembled my amp to check, but I suspect it's true.
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Post by audiobill on Jan 2, 2014 8:00:13 GMT -5
Other factors to consider are the increased power supply capacity with two XPA-1's as well as the fact it's fully "quad" balanced internally, which the XPR-2 does not appear to be, leading to lower noise and distortion for the XPA-1.
I'm very happy with my XPA-1 Gen 1's driving my Magneplanar 1.7's.
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Post by brubacca on Jan 2, 2014 8:46:03 GMT -5
One thing to consider with the XPR-2 is that it has a different electrical prong at the end. It will not just plug into a standard wall outlet without an adapter. Our friend Boomzilla just hit this.
Dan has said that the amp runs fine from a normal 15 Amp wall outlet, it is designed for a 20A circuit and plug. I hope I stated this correctly.
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Post by bitsandbytes on Jan 2, 2014 13:43:00 GMT -5
Welcome to the lounge, Bluemeanies. We have the same B&W LCR speakers . Have gone from a Lexicon RX-7 200 wpc driving all 7 channels in my system to my three XPA-1's driving my left, front and center speakers. The Lexicon is a great amp but the XPA-1's showed much better clarity, dynamics and slightly better slam in the midrange than did the Lexicon - most vital for many types of music in my opinion. The Lexicon produced a deeper bass from the bass drivers and handled the sounds emanating from the tweeter better. Smart move making an amp improvement IMHO. Both are quality amps, a win-win choice whichever direction you go. I would go with the XPR-2 myself in your situation. You have heard this amp at your friend's house through the same speakers with your own ears. It works. This is the best reason I know of. Secondly, the distance between the XPA-1's positive and negative binding posts is 13". You may need to alter your MIT Terminator cables to fit. Saw your setup in a previous post - just love it! Good luck with your choice. Walt |
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Post by The Mad Norseman on Jan 2, 2014 13:52:59 GMT -5
I just realized I never address the issue of cables noted in a previous post. My cable lengths run are about six feet and I do not want to shorten them. They are MIT Terminator cables that I picked up at a very reasonable price back a number of years ago. Did I understand in my reading at some point that the XPR series are a better build than the XPA series? I am not saying the XPA is inferior just that the XPR are built a bit different than their predecessor. So far it's a tie XPR2-2 and XPA1-1 I am stilling leaning toward the XPR2 but I like the feedback. Thanks everybody, Frank I'd go with the XPR-2 at 600 watts/channel which will be more than enough to get the most from your 804s IMO. Monoblocks are nice, but are not really justified so much in this case I'd say. (With the XPR-2 you'll be getting another 4.5db of headroom as well - what's not to like!?  ). |
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Post by Gary Cook on Jan 2, 2014 14:49:58 GMT -5
Since they are both rated at 600 watts (8 ohms) I'd choose the XPA-1 (Gen 2's) and take advantage of the monoblock design and the 60 watts of Class A. For a few hundy more I find their attraction compelling.
That said there are no bad choices with Emotiva amps., they are all fantastic value and outperform amps costing many times as much.
Happy New Year
Gary
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Post by bluemeanies on Jan 2, 2014 14:58:43 GMT -5
Well
Thanks Everyone I made a decision and placed an order with Chad for two XPA1's and two pairs of speaker cable.
Thanks to all
I am really excited about this purchase and can't wait for the upgrade.
I will let be on the forum with an update as soon as they arrive.
Now just wish me luck in selling a pair of Dynaudio's.
Frank
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mono blocks.. 
).
