XPA-5 transforme VA rating

[oldwood]

Hello,

I am considering the XPA-5 and I see on some reviews the transformer va rating listed as 1600va but on the XPA-5 page it is listed as 1200va. I thought I read on the forum that the transformer had been upgraded but can't find that thread now. Could someone tell what the correct number is please.

Thanks,
Gerry

[Cory Cooper]

Hello and welcome.

The website and the manual for the XPA-5 Gen 2 both state: 1,200VA toroidal transformer with 60,000uF storage capacitance, so that's is what I would believe.

Maybe Emotiva will chime in to confirm...

C

[bootman]

Those would be the correct numbers.

To the OP, any interest as to why?

Transformer size does not only an amp make.
(unless it is a pure class A design then pretty much it is)

[oldwood]

Hi,

I thought that the manual & web page would be correct but because I had read the other number in two different locations I thought that maybe the manufacture spec had changed & the documentation had not been updated.

As to why I am interested, I realize that the transformer size is not the only consideration but it is of concern in a 5 channel amp. The XPA-2 also has a 1200va transformer and runs only 2 channels. I am aware the XPA_2 transformer has 45,000uF storage capacitance compared to the XPA-5 at 60,000uF storage capacitance.

Thanks ,
Gerry

[bootman]

May 9, 2014 10:13:02 GMT -5 oldwood said:

Hi,

I thought that the manual & web page would be correct but because I had read the other number in two different locations I thought that maybe the manufacture spec had changed & the documentation had not been updated.

As to why I am interested, I realize that the transformer size is not the only consideration but it is of concern in a 5 channel amp. The XPA-2 also has a 1200va transformer and runs only 2 channels. I am aware the XPA_2 transformer has 45,000uF storage capacitance compared to the XPA-5 at 60,000uF storage capacitance.

Thanks ,
Gerry

It is a concern only in theory.
Think about your typical listening session (and even not so typical)

How much power do you think you will need for surround channels?
Ok how much power do you really think your are using on average during a movie?

Will you be surprised if it was only few watts at best?

Even during peak passages, it is usually the sub taking the workout.

1200VA transformer is fine.
Just look up tests of the unit only with all channels driven.
200W is easily met.

[oldwood]

Hi,

I will be using it to bi-amp a pair of CBT style line arrays. Stereo only. Just 4 channels used so that should help the power transformer concerns. This is not the use the amp was designed for so I am being a little overly careful about the details. I will be using an active crossover system (Behringer DCX2496)which should also make the system that much more efficient.

I will need to ship the amp to Canada so returning will be expensive if I am not happy with the performance.

FWIW I am not suggesting the transformer is not good enough, just looking for clarification on the spec.

Thanks for taking the time to reply,
Gerry