XPA-1 Generation 2 or XPA-1L for Speakers with 87 db Sensitivity

[fbczar]

I would appreciate advice from those of you who have experience with both the XPA-1L and the XPA-1 Gen. 2. I am about to buy an XMC-1 and I need two more channels of amplification for my front L&R speakers in a 7.1 system. The speakers have an 87db efficiency rating and can play from 16Hz to 35kHz. My room is 17'x15'x8' and the listening position is 9' from the L&R speakers. Based purely on performance would there be a significant difference between the two amps in my room? Obviously, there is a major difference in price. Thanks.

[boomzilla]

If you have a "normal" sized room (225 square feet) or smaller, AND you listen at less than "blow down the walls" volumes, then I'd say go with the XPA-1L models. They're lighter, cheaper, and (IMHO) sound just as good.

If you have an auditorium-sized room OR you like to listen at "NovisNick" levels (meaning LOUD!), then the extra horsepower of the XPA-1s would be well used.

Your speakers aren't THAT low an efficiency (I'd consider mid to low 80's to be that). Therefore, all things considered, choose the 1L models.

The only wild card in the choice is if you find a pair of XPA-1s used at a "can't-resist" price. Then, why not?

I predict that you'll be absolutely amazed with either choice.

Happy Shopping - Boomzilla

DUH - (slaps forehead) - I didn't read all your post! Your room is still within the range of "normal" and if the majority of your listening is for HT, then the R&L front speakers won't be working at all. For movies, the center channel & sub are the stars of the show - everything else is just for effects. For STEREO listening, I'd recommend still using your sub (if you have one - you didn't say). If the speakers are to be used full-range, then there's still no strong preference for either the 1 or the 1L - either are sufficient.

[novisnick]

39 years young, eh!
Your not getting any younger,,,,he,,,,,he,,,,,, -1Ls are so easy to move and place in comparison!
He Boom!,,,,,,I resemble that remark!!,,,he,,,,he,,,,,,,

[fbczar]

Oct 8, 2014 9:30:40 GMT -5 boomzilla said:

If you have a "normal" sized room (225 square feet) or smaller, AND you listen at less than "blow down the walls" volumes, then I'd say go with the XPA-1L models. They're lighter, cheaper, and (IMHO) sound just as good.

If you have an auditorium-sized room OR you like to listen at "NovisNick" levels (meaning LOUD!), then the extra horsepower of the XPA-1s would be well used.

Your speakers aren't THAT low an efficiency (I'd consider mid to low 80's to be that). Therefore, all things considered, choose the 1L models.

The only wild card in the choice is if you find a pair of XPA-1s used at a "can't-resist" price. Then, why not?

I predict that you'll be absolutely amazed with either choice.

Happy Shopping - Boomzilla

DUH - (slaps forehead) - I didn't read all your post! Your room is still within the range of "normal" and if the majority of your listening is for HT, then the R&L front speakers won't be working at all. For movies, the center channel & sub are the stars of the show - everything else is just for effects. For STEREO listening, I'd recommend still using your sub (if you have one - you didn't say). If the speakers are to be used full-range, then there's still no strong preference for either the 1 or the 1L - either are sufficient.

I was mainly concerned about stereo using my speakers full range. 

[fbczar]

Oct 8, 2014 9:30:40 GMT -5 boomzilla said:

If you have a "normal" sized room (225 square feet) or smaller, AND you listen at less than "blow down the walls" volumes, then I'd say go with the XPA-1L models. They're lighter, cheaper, and (IMHO) sound just as good.

If you have an auditorium-sized room OR you like to listen at "NovisNick" levels (meaning LOUD!), then the extra horsepower of the XPA-1s would be well used.

Your speakers aren't THAT low an efficiency (I'd consider mid to low 80's to be that). Therefore, all things considered, choose the 1L models.

The only wild card in the choice is if you find a pair of XPA-1s used at a "can't-resist" price. Then, why not?

I predict that you'll be absolutely amazed with either choice.

Happy Shopping - Boomzilla

DUH - (slaps forehead) - I didn't read all your post! Your room is still within the range of "normal" and if the majority of your listening is for HT, then the R&L front speakers won't be working at all. For movies, the center channel & sub are the stars of the show - everything else is just for effects. For STEREO listening, I'd recommend still using your sub (if you have one - you didn't say). If the speakers are to be used full-range, then there's still no strong preference for either the 1 or the 1L - either are sufficient.

I have two Kreisel 12012 subwoofers.