XPA-1 v. XPA-2

[mhm2526]

Anyone have any experience with the XPA-2 in monoblock configuration and can compare to the XPA-1s (both Gen2)? I have a set of the XPA-1s for my Maggie 1.7s so I am familiar with their performance, but need a replacement amp for a legacy Carver system ( C-4000 preamp and 1990 vintage Carver Amazing Platinums). The Platinums are nominal 8 ohm speakers and need power. The XPA-1 is a 600 watt amp at 8 ohms and the XPA-2 is 1000 at 8 ohms in monoblock configuration. I think 600 a side would be fine but going with XPA-2s would be about $400 less. Any recommendations and/or comments would be helpful and appreciated.

[zerafa]

i was using a xpa 2, and got a second one with the idea of running them as mono-blocks. I did some testing as a mono-block set up, as stereo set up, and as bi-amped (one XPA-2 for each front speaker). I find the bi-amped set up gives me a balanced sound for 2 channel playback, very calm. In mono-block set up, the highs seems a little harsh / acidic (but only at high listening levels), XPA-2 in normal stereo mode was very good for everything but loud 2 channel playback.

I have been thinking about it recently, as i want to replace my processor this summer / fall. And will probably go with XMC or Onkyo Atmos processor. My room is already for 7 surround sound speakers, 2 subs, and 4 ceiling speakers. I will need to get another pair of speakers if i go for 7.2.4 or rethink my speaker placement, and possibly the amp configurations (XPA-5 driving center, backs and surrounds, XPA-2s driving the fronts). or use a pair of airmotiv 5's for the back speakers (at least initially) - 4 x erd1's and center channel through the XPA-5, Right side / front on one XPA-2, Left side / front on second XPA-2, self powered 5s as the rears.... Given that i have three very nice pairs of powered speakers, I think i can work that out to start with in any case....

For 2 channel, i really like the sound of the XRT 8.3 in bi-amped mode, particularly for classical music.

The advantage of XPA-1s is having a differential, the advantage of 2 XPA-2 is the flexibility and options that become available. Prices for used XPA-2s seem to be pretty good as well. You could start with a single XPA-2 and see if that gives you enough power, and add a second one if necessary....

[Gary Cook]

There are a couple of differences to consider other than outright watts. The XPA-1 Gen 2 has 60 watts of Class A which if I remember rightly the Carver speakers have a liking for. Also only Emotiva monoblocks are quad differential, whether or not you see that as an advantage depends on what you are connecting to it.

Cheers
Gary

[repeetavx]

I also use two XPA-2s to bi-amp my two front speakers. Since your not intending to bi-amp, I would go with the dedicated quad-differential monoblock. I would second Gary's reasoning.

[mhm2526]

Thanks, guys. All good comments and information, and most appreciated.