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Post by usxplong on Nov 17, 2014 13:33:40 GMT -5
Well, I received my XPR-5 last Friday, installed it and listened to it over the weekend.
What a piece of equipment. It sounds very detailed and smooth. It is a great combination with XMC-1.
On low quality recordings and very low level listening it does not sound any different than XPA-5.
But listening to decent quality tracks starting at 75 db and higher, I love this piece. It's dynamic and from low to high range luxurious sound is a pure enjoyment.
The base and mid range are very strong and the high range is pleasant to my ears.
The Paradigm sig speakers are at 8 ohms but at some point they create a phase shift that puts a lot of pressure on amps. When I had the Anthem MRX710, at volume the receiver was going to protection mode and the fan was running like crazy. XPA-5 took care of that completely but now with XPR-5 it is a total enjoyment.
I appreciate everyone's input specially Lsc's recommendation.
For those whom believe all amps sound the same should check their facts. All amps will sound the same based on equipment and recording quality but not always.
Amps sometimes (like mine) make a big difference. So just how much power one needs or how big is the room is not the whole picture in selecting amplifiers.
I hope this helps.
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Post by garbulky on Nov 17, 2014 13:46:44 GMT -5
usxplong, this may seem strange, but play around with your speaker position after an amp change. I've found it helps to get the right position for your new amp. Glad to hear you are liking it.
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Post by usxplong on Nov 17, 2014 14:32:28 GMT -5
usxplong, this may seem strange, but play around with your speaker position after an amp change. I've found it helps to get the right position for your new amp. Glad to hear you are liking it. Thanks garbulky, Yes I need to make measurements and adjustments but since Dirac will be released early next month for XMC-1, I will just wait to do it with Dirac. But regardless it sounds beautiful.  |
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kdm
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Post by kdm on Nov 17, 2014 21:45:29 GMT -5
Nice!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 17, 2014 23:15:44 GMT -5
I would always advise anybody upgrading their amps to consider doing their own double-blind test... with their speakers and content they're familiar with... and someone they trust running the switch. IM(elderly)O, this is the best piece of advice in this thread. |
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Post by solidstate on Nov 17, 2014 23:35:27 GMT -5
Hello everyone, I have XPA-5 gen 2 with paradigm Signature S6 v3 fronts, C3 v3 center and ADP surrounds. While XPA-5 is an excellent amp, I am looking to upgrading the sound quality (not too much of power issues). I am using my system 50/50 music & movies. Is there a noticeable sound quality improvement especially in the lower end and mid range in XPR-5 comparing to XPA-5? Again, I don't drive XPA-5 to the clipping edge and I am just looking to improve the sound quality. Emo has the XPR-5's on sale and with Emo-club I can get it even cheaper and the other bonus is Emo buys back my XPA-5. I appreciate everyone's input. Being a monoblock man I'd put my money on a stack of XPA-1Ls!!! |
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Post by solidstate on Nov 17, 2014 23:36:17 GMT -5
^   |
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Post by solidstate on Nov 17, 2014 23:37:34 GMT -5
Well, I received my XPR-5 last Friday, installed it and listened to it over the weekend. What a piece of equipment. It sounds very detailed and smooth. It is a great combination with XMC-1. On low quality recordings and very low level listening it does not sound any different than XPA-5. But listening to decent quality tracks starting at 75 db and higher, I love this piece. It's dynamic and from low to high range luxurious sound is a pure enjoyment. The base and mid range are very strong and the high range is pleasant to my ears. The Paradigm sig speakers are at 8 ohms but at some point they create a phase shift that puts a lot of pressure on amps. When I had the Anthem MRX710, at volume the receiver was going to protection mode and the fan was running like crazy. XPA-5 took care of that completely but now with XPR-5 it is a total enjoyment. I appreciate everyone's input specially Lsc's recommendation. For those whom believe all amps sound the same should check their facts. All amps will sound the same based on equipment and recording quality but not always. Amps sometimes (like mine) make a big difference. So just how much power one needs or how big is the room is not the whole picture in selecting amplifiers. I hope this helps. You could have issues with a component in your passive xover or perhaps a driver that's screwy as that really shouldn't happen. Glad to hear you like your XPR-5! THAT THING IS A BEAST! |
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Post by thecrusherk on Nov 18, 2014 0:00:03 GMT -5
Hello everyone, I have XPA-5 gen 2 with paradigm Signature S6 v3 fronts, C3 v3 center and ADP surrounds. While XPA-5 is an excellent amp, I am looking to upgrading the sound quality (not too much of power issues). I am using my system 50/50 music & movies. Is there a noticeable sound quality improvement especially in the lower end and mid range in XPR-5 comparing to XPA-5? Again, I don't drive XPA-5 to the clipping edge and I am just looking to improve the sound quality. Emo has the XPR-5's on sale and with Emo-club I can get it even cheaper and the other bonus is Emo buys back my XPA-5. I appreciate everyone's input. Being a monoblock man I'd put my money on a stack of XPA-1Ls!!! Couldn't agree more. If you have room for 2 additional monoblock amps in your system. One of the best improvements/choices I made was the introduction of XPA-1s to my fronts. That alone has taken my music listening to a new level. Like you I have a complete Paradigm system and also running an XPA-5 for the other channels. |
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Post by usxplong on Nov 18, 2014 13:25:04 GMT -5
Well, I received my XPR-5 last Friday, installed it and listened to it over the weekend. What a piece of equipment. It sounds very detailed and smooth. It is a great combination with XMC-1. On low quality recordings and very low level listening it does not sound any different than XPA-5. But listening to decent quality tracks starting at 75 db and higher, I love this piece. It's dynamic and from low to high range luxurious sound is a pure enjoyment. The base and mid range are very strong and the high range is pleasant to my ears. The Paradigm sig speakers are at 8 ohms but at some point they create a phase shift that puts a lot of pressure on amps. When I had the Anthem MRX710, at volume the receiver was going to protection mode and the fan was running like crazy. XPA-5 took care of that completely but now with XPR-5 it is a total enjoyment. I appreciate everyone's input specially Lsc's recommendation. For those whom believe all amps sound the same should check their facts. All amps will sound the same based on equipment and recording quality but not always. Amps sometimes (like mine) make a big difference. So just how much power one needs or how big is the room is not the whole picture in selecting amplifiers. I hope this helps. You could have issues with a component in your passive xover or perhaps a driver that's screwy as that really shouldn't happen. Glad to hear you like your XPR-5! THAT THING IS A BEAST! There is no issues with passive xovers or drivers. That is the nature of Paradigm sig S6s. I think (if I remember correctly) this condition was once explained by Nick at Anthem/ Paradigm on the MRX forum. |
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Post by usxplong on Nov 18, 2014 13:31:08 GMT -5
Being a monoblock man I'd put my money on a stack of XPA-1Ls!!! Couldn't agree more. If you have room for 2 additional monoblock amps in your system. One of the best improvements/choices I made was the introduction of XPA-1s to my fronts. That alone has taken my music listening to a new level. Like you I have a complete Paradigm system and also running an XPA-5 for the other channels. No room for anymore equipment.  |
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Lsc
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Post by Lsc on Nov 18, 2014 15:49:15 GMT -5
Monoblocks are overrated and I'm not suffering from monoblock envy  . Here is what I know. My buddy has 3 XPR-1s and and XPR-2. I have the XPR-5 and XPA-2. He used to have the XPR-5 as well. Are those XPR-1s better than the XPR-5? Yes but difference is somewhat subtle. I always joke with him that I have the best "value" system. My point is, if you have the itch and the dough, it could be worth it to you...but it's not the same jump as going from the xpa-5 to the xpr-5. |
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Post by Gary Cook on Nov 18, 2014 18:12:05 GMT -5
Personally I'm a fan (ie; hear a difference) of locating monoblocks close by their respective speakers. Especially if it's a long run and XLR interconnects can be used.
Cheers
Gary
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Lsc
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Post by Lsc on Nov 18, 2014 18:20:48 GMT -5
Personally I'm a fan (ie; hear a difference) of locating monoblocks close by their respective speakers. Especially if it's a long run and XLR interconnects can be used. Cheers Gary I agree that what you describe is the classic high end 2 channel system with giant monoblocks right next to towering speakers and garden hose cable runs...looks and I'm sure sounds great! I'm content with my xpr-5 outputting 500 watts X 2 for music. Yes, I would love to get the xpr-1s and sell my xpa-2 but that's not happening and it's ok. Once I get the xmc-1, I'll be laying low for a while. |
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Post by Gary Cook on Nov 18, 2014 18:33:04 GMT -5
Personally I'm a fan (ie; hear a difference) of locating monoblocks close by their respective speakers. Especially if it's a long run and XLR interconnects can be used. I agree that what you describe is the classic high end 2 channel system with giant monoblocks right next to towering speakers and garden hose cable runs...looks and I'm sure sounds great! I'm content with my xpr-5 outputting 500 watts X 2 for music. Yes, I would love to get the xpr-1s and sell my xpa-2 but that's not happening and it's ok. Once I get the xmc-1, I'll be laying low for a while. It's not necessarily just for "giant monoblocks & towering speakers", I used to have my subwoofer amp (an XPA-100, 400 watts into 4 ohms) located in the rack with the rest of the gear with 6 metres of speaker cable and a 0.75 metre RCA interconnect. I relocated it some time ago to be able to use a 5 metre Emotiva XLR interconnect and 1 metre of the same speaker cable. There is a noticeable difference (improvement) in control over the 17" sub woofer in a DIY, dual ported, 100 litre enclosure. Cheers Gary |
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kdm
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Post by kdm on Nov 18, 2014 21:37:25 GMT -5
Monoblocks are overrated and I'm not suffering from monoblock envy . Here is what I know. My buddy has 3 XPR-1s and and XPR-2. I have the XPR-5 and XPA-2. He used to have the XPR-5 as well. Are those XPR-1s better than the XPR-5? Yes but difference is somewhat subtle. I always joke with him that I have the best "value" system. My point is, if you have the itch and the dough, it could be worth it to you...but it's not the same jump as going from the xpa-5 to the xpr-5. I'm curious as to what thoughts are here on this; You can buy 1 XPR-2 for approx $1460 (600wpc) or... You can buy 2 XPA-1's for approx. $1700 (600wpc each) or.... You can buy 2 XPA-2's for approx $1350...and bridge each to achieve 1000wpc... each. The third choice seems to be the best value, hands down. Am I missing something? I have always had bridgeable amps, and have used them in bridged mode for over 30yrs. I've always been happy with my results. The above options (taking away space issues and such things) appear to have the latter choice a "no-brainer". I'm most sincere in asking you folks what it is that I'm not taking into consideration? |
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Post by Gary Cook on Nov 18, 2014 23:52:11 GMT -5
Monoblocks are overrated and I'm not suffering from monoblock envy . Here is what I know. My buddy has 3 XPR-1s and and XPR-2. I have the XPR-5 and XPA-2. He used to have the XPR-5 as well. Are those XPR-1s better than the XPR-5? Yes but difference is somewhat subtle. I always joke with him that I have the best "value" system. My point is, if you have the itch and the dough, it could be worth it to you...but it's not the same jump as going from the xpa-5 to the xpr-5. I'm curious as to what thoughts are here on this; You can buy 1 XPR-2 for approx $1460 (600wpc) or... You can buy 2 XPA-1's for approx. $1700 (600wpc each) or.... You can buy 2 XPA-2's for approx $1350...and bridge each to achieve 1000wpc... each. The third choice seems to be the best value, hands down. Am I missing something? I have always had bridgeable amps, and have used them in bridged mode for over 30yrs. I've always been happy with my results. The above options (taking away space issues and such things) appear to have the latter choice a "no-brainer". I'm most sincere in asking you folks what it is that I'm not taking into consideration? It's not just about watts, the monoblocks (XPA-1, XPR-1 and XPA-1L) are the only Emotiva power amplifiers with quad differential circuitry. The XPA-2 and XPR-2 have dual differential circuitry. All are balanced of course. There are also the power supply differences, especially capacitance; XPA-1 = 1200 VA & 120,000 UF XPA-2 = 1200 VA & 45,000 UF XPR-2 - 2500 VA & 240,000 UF As well it is worth keeping in mind that XPA-2's can only be bridged into 8 ohms. Whereas the XPR-2 and the monoblocks will handle 4 ohms. As a bonus the XPA-1 (60 watts) and XPA-1L (35 watts) have the option of functioning in Class A. Whether any of that makes a difference depends on the rest of the system, the room and one's ears. Cheers Gary |
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Post by garbulky on Nov 19, 2014 0:55:27 GMT -5
Also the XPA-2 is bridgeable for 8 ohm speakers only (officially).
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Post by repeetavx on Nov 19, 2014 1:01:30 GMT -5
Also the XPA-2 is bridgeable for 8 ohm speakers only (officially). I understand that the noise floor is increased when bridging also. So that really efficient speakers may have an increase in background hiss. |
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kdm
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Post by kdm on Nov 19, 2014 7:51:00 GMT -5
I'm curious as to what thoughts are here on this; You can buy 1 XPR-2 for approx $1460 (600wpc) or... You can buy 2 XPA-1's for approx. $1700 (600wpc each) or.... You can buy 2 XPA-2's for approx $1350...and bridge each to achieve 1000wpc... each. The third choice seems to be the best value, hands down. Am I missing something? I have always had bridgeable amps, and have used them in bridged mode for over 30yrs. I've always been happy with my results. The above options (taking away space issues and such things) appear to have the latter choice a "no-brainer". I'm most sincere in asking you folks what it is that I'm not taking into consideration? It's not just about watts, the monoblocks (XPA-1, XPR-1 and XPA-1L) are the only Emotiva power amplifiers with quad differential circuitry. The XPA-2 and XPR-2 have dual differential circuitry. All are balanced of course. There are also the power supply differences, especially capacitance; XPA-1 = 1200 VA & 120,000 UF XPA-2 = 1200 VA & 45,000 UF XPR-2 - 2500 VA & 240,000 UF As well it is worth keeping in mind that XPA-2's can only be bridged into 8 ohms. Whereas the XPR-2 and the monoblocks will handle 4 ohms. As a bonus the XPA-1 (60 watts) and XPA-1L (35 watts) have the option of functioning in Class A. Whether any of that makes a difference depends on the rest of the system, the room and one's ears. Cheers Gary Great answer. Thank you for your input (as well as the others who chimed in). The differences are probably negligible to me, but it does give me food for thought! Thanks again. |
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