Real Maximus
Minor Hero
I now have a dedicated Salamander monoblock stand for my XPA2. Very sexy! :)
Posts: 35 
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Post by Real Maximus on Apr 1, 2014 13:40:54 GMT -5
Sorry if this has been covered, but I have finally narrowed it down to these two. I will be making my purchase by week' end. Both music and movies are important to me. If I had to lean toward one or the other, music would be the more important of the two.
Are the monos more musical? Is the XPA2G2 more robust with bass impact in cinema scenarios? How do these two compare? Are there any pros or cons?
The price point is about the same, so in the end, I just need the superior specimen.
Thanks everyone!
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Post by garbulky on Apr 1, 2014 14:46:10 GMT -5
I recommend the XPA-2. It was the faster amp when I listened. The XPA-100 has a sound signature similar to the old UPA-2. The XPA-2's sound signature is different. It was faster in any kind of dynamics. It's also a little bit more forward. Either way you won't be dissapointed.
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Post by repeetavx on Apr 1, 2014 16:19:24 GMT -5
The XPA-2 has a 1200VA transformer. Which when divided provides 600VA of power to each channel. The XPA-100 has a 350VA transformer for its channel. Also the XPA-2 has 12 output devices per channel. The XPA-100 doesn't have an advertised output device count, but I would guess it to be 6 like the XPA-5. That may partially account for the XPA-2s "quickness". One the other hand, monoblocks that allow for short speaker cables are awesome! You can see my signature to see how I finally ended up  |
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Real Maximus
Minor Hero
I now have a dedicated Salamander monoblock stand for my XPA2. Very sexy! :)
Posts: 35
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Post by Real Maximus on Apr 1, 2014 17:41:07 GMT -5
Repeet, have you owned both, or heard both? Some people don't believe the XPA2G2, and g1 sound much different. My system is very transparent and a bit forward. I want to make sure I am matching the best pieces. I'm sure there is no wrong answer, I just want the best possible solution.  |
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Post by garbulky on Apr 1, 2014 17:54:26 GMT -5
Repeet, have you owned both, or heard both? Some people don't believe the XPA2G2, and g1 sound much different. My system is very transparent and a bit forward. I want to make sure I am matching the best pieces. I'm sure there is no wrong answer, I just want the best possible solution. Oh you're matching them right My axioms are known to be pretty forward and bright. No problems here. The XPA-2's will give you oodles of depth and whatever you want. The sound signature of the XPA-100 is laid back and very pleasant. VERY similar in sound to the UPA-2 that I own (not UPA-200). The XPA-2's are simply not that sound signature. They are still the better amp from my audition. It's speed is the biggest draw for me. It's capacitance appears low but it actully has a lot - A LOT! - of capacitance just wired differently to deliver that power and also a very large power supply with which to draw from. When you get the XPA-2 and try to lift it, you'll realize why it was the flagship stereo amplifier for Emotiva for a long long time. It's a beast. Having said that, both amps are neutral and the differences in sounds signature are subtle and you won't go wrong with either one. They are both good amps. Edit: however in my system the XPA-2 and USP-1 upgrade was dwarfed by the DC-1 upgrade in terms of value for money. |
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Post by repeetavx on Apr 1, 2014 20:22:00 GMT -5
I've only heard the XPA-2. I bought it because of the reviews of people like garbulky. I do have a UPA-1 that power's my subwoofer, and it blends perfectly.
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Post by garbulky on Apr 2, 2014 7:58:00 GMT -5
I've only heard the XPA-2. I bought it because of the reviews of people like garbulky. I do have a UPA-1 that power's my subwoofer, and it blends perfectly. Glad to hear I helped. You are the perfect person to ask! As the UPA-1 is very similar to the XPA-100. How does the XPA-2 and UPA-1 compare for you? |
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Post by repeetavx on Apr 2, 2014 10:30:10 GMT -5
Since I only bought the one UPA-1, I've never ran it full range. I was waiting for Emotiva to come out with their subwoofer amp and got tired of waiting. Again, based on the testimony of fellow loungers, I decided to try the UPA-1. The Gen. 1 gain structure made it a perfect match. My sub has never been as musical and articulate as it is now. Again, a perfect blend. Apparently the small difference in "quickness" is more forgiving below 80Hz. Then again, I haven't had a chance to use another XPA-2 (or XPA-1) to run my subwoofer and compare. (Though I've thought about it). Diminishing returns and overkill is the area that we dance around, around here I'm still treating for room modes. With REW and the PT-7030's parametric EQ's to polish up the sound. |
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Post by Gary Cook on Apr 2, 2014 19:33:44 GMT -5
Since I only bought the one UPA-1, I've never ran it full range. I was waiting for Emotiva to come out with their subwoofer amp and got tired of waiting. Again, based on the testimony of fellow loungers, I decided to try the UPA-1. The Gen. 1 gain structure made it a perfect match. My sub has never been as musical and articulate as it is now. Again, a perfect blend. Apparently the small difference in "quickness" is more forgiving below 80Hz. Then again, I haven't had a chance to use another XPA-2 (or XPA-1) to run my subwoofer and compare. (Though I've thought about it). Diminishing returns and overkill is the area that we dance around, around here I'm still treating for room modes. With REW and the PT-7030's parametric EQ's to polish up the sound. Same here, I'm using an XPA-100 as a sub amp with a UMC-200 and an XPA-5. Far more musical than any other sub amp I have used and I've used a lot. Cheers Gary |
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