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Post by ncred02 on Jan 29, 2014 9:46:22 GMT -5
ok folks I need guidance.
So I got a big B day coming. I know I dont look a day over 30.
I was gonna throw a bash and my buddy mentioned buying something that will last instead. Why invest 2k maybe more on getting a bunch of friends drunk and fed.
So I have always wanted mono blocks and now my dilemma is which ones. Does the XPR line really have that much more SQ or just wattage? The dedicated 20a circuits is no problem. I think even with the XPA1 i would run dedicated 20a to each. I even though of finding some Wilson puppies or Sophia's used to put the icing on the cake.
Im a huge 2 channel listener and its something I have been itching for for years.
What would you do?
Thanks BTW I have about three months to decide and stash some funds.
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Post by Boomzilla on Jan 29, 2014 10:07:59 GMT -5
RightinLA was kind enough to bring his XPR-1Ls over the other night to compare to my XPR-2. We listened with some Paradigm Eclipse BP speakers (4 ohms at 80-something sensitivity, but without the utmost in midrange resolution). With the speakers we used, in my room, and to our ears - No audible difference. We didn't play at stadium levels, but the amps sounded so close that we couldn't have told the diff blindfolded.
I might (or might not) give a small nose to the XPR-1s for dynamics, but it was still so close that I couldn't really say.
So UNLESS you need the power of the XPR series (or, like me, if you want the parts-quality of the XPR series), then save yourself some money. The XPA-1s (gen one or two) have ALWAYS received glowing reviews (not only here on the Lounge but in the wider world as well).
OTOH, if you want to have "the best" and never worry again about it, then buy the XPRs and be done with it. If you're the type that will perpetually fret wondering IF the XPRs would have been "better," then your answer is there.
I am (surprisingly, for me) content with my XPR-2. Do I wonder if the XPR-1s could have sounded better? Not really because all the comparisons I've run with "lesser" Emotiva amps have showed me that I really can't tell much difference in the entire Emotiva amp lineup.
Happy shopping!
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Post by monkumonku on Jan 29, 2014 10:28:36 GMT -5
I am (surprisingly, for me) content with my XPR-2. Do I wonder if the XPR-1s could have sounded better? Not really because all the comparisons I've run with "lesser" Emotiva amps have showed me that I really can't tell much difference in the entire Emotiva amp lineup. Happy shopping! Yeah, but having never heard the XPR-1's, you're always going to wonder about that. You say "not really" now but your mind will keep nagging and nagging at you until you eventually give in. So why waste all that time, just do it now.  Just because you haven't heard much difference in the rest of the lineup, you can't extrapolate that to the XPR-1's, right? |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jan 29, 2014 10:32:16 GMT -5
Since you're a serious two channel listener I would say go with the XPA-1 Gen 2 for the 60 watts of class A.
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Post by Boomzilla on Jan 29, 2014 10:45:25 GMT -5
Yeah, but having never heard the XPR-1's, you're always going to wonder about that. Just watch me worry about it - LOL - The XPR-2 is MINE until it wears out or breaks. No further amp angst required! |
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Post by monkumonku on Jan 29, 2014 11:08:21 GMT -5
Yeah, but having never heard the XPR-1's, you're always going to wonder about that. Just watch me worry about it - LOL - The XPR-2 is MINE until it wears out or breaks. No further amp angst required! May we quote you on that? Your post is now immortalized in the Lounge, you know. Even when you try and delete it because you are selling your XPR-2 in a month or so and looking for an XPR-1, it will still be quoted in my reply here.  Did you ever see the Twilight Zone episode "The Fever" about Franklin, who keeps hearing a slot machine call his name during his and his wife's visit to Las Vegas? Tonight you will hear a metallic, XPR-1 -like voice whispering "Boomzilla" -- which won't stop until you answer it. |
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Post by Boomzilla on Jan 29, 2014 11:11:31 GMT -5
Note my tagline: This stuff has been here for # weeks? I'm ALREADY at a new record for keeping gear! No further changes (unless yard-sale speakers come my way) until the "Lonnie's Munchkin Towers of Awe" become available along with Emotiva's new subs.
Now I'm not saying that I won't consider a SECOND XPR-2 so that I can vertically bi-amplify... But I am saying that I won't consider it yet.
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Post by ncred02 on Jan 29, 2014 13:52:46 GMT -5
you guys are no help LOL!!!!
I was thinking the same about the Xpa1. I've read a lot of great reviews but BOOM makes a point. I may sit and wonder if I am missing something. The diff is 1200 which could be spent elswhere
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Post by deltadube on Jan 29, 2014 14:02:02 GMT -5
you guys are no help LOL!!!! I was thinking the same about the Xpa1. I've read a lot of great reviews but BOOM makes a point. I may sit and wonder if I am missing something. The diff is 1200 which could be spent elswhere if you get the xpa 1s you will always wonder what the big dog xpr 1 would have done...!!!! I know I do.. but im not in the financial position to change it.. mono block is the only way to roll imho!! my xpa 1s sound great very happy.. cheers |
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Post by Boomzilla on Jan 29, 2014 14:19:26 GMT -5
Deltadube is right, IMHO. I've noticed that I often CAN hear the difference between long-interconnects / short-speaker-wires and vice versa (not always, but often). In circumstances where any difference is audible, the short speaker wires consistently sound better. Therefore, to reduce the distance from the amp to the speaker, mono-blocks are better. Now would you truly hear a difference between the XPA-1 and the XPR-1? I doubt it, but since I haven't done a head to head, I couldn't say. My speculation is based on comparisons of other Emotiva amps including the XPA-2, the XPR-2, the Mini-X A-100, and the XPA-1Ls. Look for other threads (which I haven't read) here on the lounge to see what others think of the specific XPA-1 vs XPR-1 comparison.
Either way, you can't go wrong. IF the cash is significant to you, I predict that you WON'T be displeased with the XPA-1s, the XPA-1Ls, or even the XPA-100s. Within their power envelope, ALL are excellent products. The only questions are: How much power do you need and how much can you spend?
Happy Shopping! Boom
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Post by Gary Cook on Jan 29, 2014 15:11:34 GMT -5
Since you're a serious two channel listener I would say go with the XPA-1 Gen 2 for the 60 watts of class A. I agree completely, for stereo music the XPA-1 (Gen2) advantage of 60 watts of pure Class A makes the decision an obvious one for me. It has far greater appeal than the extra watts from an XPR-1, watts that I am almost certainly never going to use. Whereas I would be using Class A every day for stereo music enjoyment. Cheers Gary |
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Post by ncred02 on Jan 29, 2014 16:01:48 GMT -5
Cost is a factor. with taht said Im thinking the Xpa1 Gen2 may be the ticket. The 60w class a is also a nice feature. I don't listen at high levels anymore. Would any of you consider the factory refurbished XPA2 gen 2s?
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Post by Boomzilla on Jan 29, 2014 16:06:26 GMT -5
IN A HEARTBEAT! If you can get the factory refurb ones, DO IT NOW!
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Post by deltadube on Jan 29, 2014 16:18:42 GMT -5
Cost is a factor. with taht said Im thinking the Xpa1 Gen2 may be the ticket. The 60w class a is also a nice feature. I don't listen at high levels anymore. Would any of you consider the factory refurbished XPA2 gen 2s? no comparison to the xpa 1s go for fr xpa 1s!!!! save yourself an upgrade later !!!! some have said xpr 1s are better than xpa 1s.... I thought I was listeninig at loud levels just got a pyle pspl 25 90db only sounds loud to me tho .. the blue lights are dancing 1/2 way across the amp! cheers |
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Post by audiobill on Jan 29, 2014 16:46:35 GMT -5
I had the XPA 2 Gen 2, and went for the XPA-1 Gen 1.
Really, very little difference in SQ, just a bunch more power to feed my Maggies.....
The XPA 2 G2 is very sweet, indeed.
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Flunk
Sensei
Just got a new job.....
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Post by Flunk on Jan 29, 2014 17:18:07 GMT -5
Been that done that...
I was choosing between XPA-1 gen1 and XPR-1 and decided on the XPR because I think they look better.
If I was to choose today I would go for the XPA-1 and the class A and spend the money on something else.
Kindly
Oscar
Btw. I do love my XPR´s, they look bad-ass....... |
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Post by ncred02 on Jan 29, 2014 17:36:06 GMT -5
Flunk,
I didn't want to admit that but thats one of the things I like about the XPRs. I know its not an "audiophile " way of thinking but, dang, those amps look tough.
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Flunk
Sensei
Just got a new job.....
Posts: 171
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Post by Flunk on Jan 29, 2014 17:41:33 GMT -5
Flunk, I didn't want to admit that but thats one of the things I like about the XPRs. I know its not an "audiophile " way of thinking but, dang, those amps look tough. This is only bragging 
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Lsc
Emo VIPs 
Posts: 3,435
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Post by Lsc on Jan 29, 2014 17:46:27 GMT -5
Unless you have unlimited budget, applying the additional $1,200 toward better speakers or towards a subwoofer I think is a better use of your funds.
I have an XPR-5 which is great amp imho and I never feel like I need more power or channel separation etc. And I spent more on speakers - got the F208 vs. F206 and the C208 vs. the C205 etc.
I'm sure I have achieved a much better bang for the buck vs buying 3 mono-blocks and a 2 channel amp and lesser speakers.
But this is my particular situation only...diff strokes for diff folks.
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Post by mg on Jan 29, 2014 17:51:24 GMT -5
Flunk, I didn't want to admit that but thats one of the things I like about the XPRs. I know its not an "audiophile " way of thinking but, dang, those amps look tough. This is only bragging
View Attachment
Dang, he even has an Altar for the Amps. Start praying to the Audio God's. Very nice, I likes' it a lot.. |
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Just because you haven't heard much difference in the rest of the lineup, you can't extrapolate that to the XPR-1's, right? 
