Which amp is better for PolkAudio LSI 9?

[rod]

I have Polk Audio LSI 9 for my 2.2 channel set up in my room. I would like to know if XPA 2 gen 2 or a pair of XPA-100 is better for these speakers just for music purposes only. I know that they are on sale right now but which amp do you think is more pleasing to listen to. Can you please advise me? I was aiming to purchase 1L but it is out of stock as always.

[ansat]

Hello Rod,
I would give emotiva a call to find out the status on the 1L's I would say of the 3 that the 1L would be the choice that offers additional flexibility. All things being equal - all 3 will operate in a/b to about the same level. (the 100 watt difference between the 100's and the other two is very little ) The 1L would give you class a as an option. If the 1L is out of the list... I would probably pick the 100's (easier to get in and out of the rack) both are class a/b. both offer plenty of wattage. The 100's offer more capacitance but are higher gain (by 3db). With your 88db efficient speakers, that should not make a difference.

Hope this helps,
Tony

[rod]

Thank you for your reply. Just to let you know that I emailed just days ago and was told that 1L is completely out of stock. That's my first choice but since it's gone for good I think so I have to look for another option in line. Will it be XPA 2 gen2 or XPA - 100?

[ansat]

in that case I would vote the 100s. Anyone else wanna help Rod spend his money?

Tony

[geebo]

I think you would be happy with either option. What fits your setup better? A pair of 2RU monoblocks or a single 4RU chassis? I had the XPA-2 and now have 1Ls and I can tell you the XPA-2 is a fantastic sounding amp as I'm sure the 100s are but I've never heard them.

Did Emo indicate if the 1Ls would be back or if a Gen 2 was coming?

[yeeeha17]

I would do mono blocks, they look much cooler than you can join nick's mono block society

[novisnick]

Oct 25, 2014 9:24:38 GMT -5 yeeeha17 said:

I would do mono blocks, they look much cooler than you can join nick's mono block society

Ya just can't argue with great thinking and logic like that!!!!   .    


Edit: I'll make this simple, I agree with Tony!
but to go one step farther, You have two ears, two speakers,,,,,,,,henceforth use two amps, wait for someone to sell a set of XPA-1Ls or go with the 100s.

Yes, No one is ever happy for long AFTER they sell a set of XPA-1Ls, but we/they do it anyway.

Nick CEO

 MONOBLOCK Society

[AudioHTIT]

If you have space near your speakers for the Monoblocks I'd get them (then run XLR's and short speaker wire). If you'll be stacking them in a rack I'd get the XPA-2, it's design seems more sophisticated and you get more power (many great reviews here on the XPA-2).

Edit: Looking at the rack in your Avatar it looks like your speaker cables are already short and that you have mostly 'G1' gear. If you like things to match then get the 100's, otherwise the G2 XPA-2 (or a used G1).

[vcautokid]

2nd vote for the XPA-1L. I had the XPA-2. Best amp I ever had. The control, detail, imaging are real good. I think the XPA1L takes it to the next level for your Polks. Any high current swing Emotiva amp will make Polks sing. A happy problem picking the one.?

[deltadube]

well since the xpa 1 l is gone I guess the gen 2 is coming..

I would recommend strongly to step up not down ... a pair of xpa 1s yeah its a bit more, if you can swing it you will have a great set of amps..

the 100 is not quad differential..

think if you cant afford I like the xpa 2

[rod]

Wow, Thank you, guys , for all your suggestions and I truly appreciate it very much. It seems that I will be more inclined to getting 1L if it is still available or go for XPA 2 g2 since it is on sale plus the e-card too. I have four XPA 2 g1 in my living room and one in my room. I have ERC 1 and 3, XSP 1 g1 and DC 1 all connected to my XSP 1. However, for the reason I can't understand I want to get another amp for my LSI-9 to be connected to my Denon just to feel another musical ambiance inside my room for a chance once in a while. I have UPA 2 which I don't use anymore because it does not sound great for my LSI-9. I am a proponent of laid back tone ever since and that's the reason why I have Polk Audio gear at my house. So your input is very important cuz I bought all my emo gear due to your advise in this forum. I have zero knowledge when it comes to this hobby. I just follow the flow of this new trend from this forum and I truly love it because I am learning a lot from you guys...

[ocezam]

I've owned both the XPA-100s and an XPA-2 Gen I for several months both times. I also currently own the XPA-1 Gen I and have heard the 1Ls. I found the XPA-2 to be livelier and more dynamic with better punch than the 100s. I'd either go with the XPA-2, wait for some used 1Ls, or step up to the XPA-1 either Gen I or II. I am of the camp that hears no benefit to class A amps and see I no benefit to 1Ls or XPA-1 Gen II for that reason, but the 1L and the XPA-1, either Generation, pack a hell of a lot of punch.

My 2 cents.

Peace

[rod]

I've never doubted in my mind that XPA 2 is a lot better than XPA 100 in terms of sound quality. As a matter of fact, the only price difference between the two is $100 if my computation is right. My friends, do you think I can use my e-card or at least do the price match if I will buy either XPA 1 g2 or XPA 2 gen2 from amazon? Has anyone in this forum tried that kind of transaction so that I can stretch my payment to 12 months cuz I haven't used my amazon card for a very long time?

[novisnick]

At the risk of sounding bias I'll repeat my earlier statement, if you can muster the patients, someone will sell a set of -1Ls and that would be my best bet and sound.
Around here, we change gear like most men date,,,,,,,,NEXT!!!!!!!,,,,,he,,,,,he,,,,,,,he,,,,,,,

Ask Boom, or Chad or pop or, or, or,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Dang,,,,,,ask me,,,,,,

[vneal]

All things considered---go with more power

[rod]

Oct 25, 2014 19:32:18 GMT -5 vneal said:

All things considered---go with more power

I like your CM10 in your avatar. How its sound by the way compared to CM9?

[novisnick]

Oct 25, 2014 19:32:18 GMT -5 vneal said:

All things considered---go with more power

Not really much more power,there's alot to be said about a fully balanced quad differential amp Ya know. Two more cents,,,,he,,,,,he,,,,,,  

[rod]

Do you think there is really a huge difference between XPA 1 g2 and 1L?

[ocezam]

Oct 25, 2014 20:48:07 GMT -5 rod said:

Do you think there is really a huge difference between XPA 1 g2 and 1L?

Huge difference? No.

Twice power equals 3db. So no, not huge. But I'll take the headroom any day. In fact during the last whse sale when Emotiva had such incredible prices on the 1L, and I was in the market with money in hand to upgrade my 100s, I still waited for a good deal on a used set of XPA-1s. I like headroom. SQ wise between the 1 and 1L? None to speak of in my opinion.

Another thing to consider, 1Ls run warm. I'd say very warm. The XPA-1, both generations, are known to be very cool amps. In fact the heat issue is why I went with the XPA-1 over the 1L and even the XPR-1.

[novisnick]

Oct 26, 2014 14:32:37 GMT -5 ocezam said:

Oct 25, 2014 20:48:07 GMT -5 rod said:

Do you think there is really a huge difference between XPA 1 g2 and 1L?

Huge difference? No.

Twice power equals 3db. so no, not huge. But I'll take the headroom any day. In fact during the last whse sale when Emotiva had such incredible prices on the 1L, and I was in the market with money in hand to upgrade my 100s, I still waited for a good deal on a used set of XPA-1s. I like headroom. SQ wise between the 1 and 1L? none to speak of in my opinion.

Another thing to consider, 1Ls run warm. I'd say very warm. The XPA-1, both generations, are known to be very cool amps.

Sorry for butting in, but may I add that the -1Ls are less then half the weight of the XPA-1s. This is a note from an older fellow. 8)