XPA-5

[krelldog]

Recently I needed to free up some cash and decided to downsize my audio system. I was running a Pass X-250 driving my mains and an Aragon 8008x3 driving my center and rears. My plan involved selling the above 2 amps and buying one 5 channel amp. My budget was around 1K so initially I was convinced I was going to have to buy a used amp. In an ironic twist a buddy had mentioned had I ever heard of Emotiva. I had not but was intriqued and decided to at least check out your website. I'm not usually a bargain hunter and as a rule of thumb I usually stick with the more recognized audio companies. I was immediately impressed with the build quality and unheard of features at this price point. When you factor in balanced inputs/rear power switch/great binding posts/great cosmetics and a transferrable 5 year warranty-oh and by the way I can demo it for 30 days and send it back if I'm not happy............The decision was simple and the next thing I new the Fed Ex guy was swearing under his breath as he carried this beast to my front door.

I unboxed the XPA-5 and was impressed by how well it was packed. The vivid photos on the website don't do it justice. This is a nice looking amplifier. After hooking it up and playing light music thru it for around 24 hours I decided to do some serious listening. I really had no expectations. I figured if nothing else I'm sure it will suffice to power my 5.1 system. I figured I would cut right to the chase and play some of my reference 2 channel favorite recordings. I also took into account that in no way was this amp broken in so again my expectations weren't all that high. I was immediately struck by how neutral and authoratative this amp sounded. I'm not going to compare it to my former 6K power amp but I will say I was pretty freaking impressed. I played the XPA-5 thru Martin Logan Ascents and Swan M6HT's. Both sets of speakers being of exceptional quality but very different in personality. My Ascents are very revealing. If you put crap in-crap comes out. Audio flaws in the chain are very obvious with a good electrostatic. I was blown away by the XPA-5. I listened to 2 channel-5 channel SACD-5.1 movies and concerts all with the same results. I'm still wondering what thge catch is but for the time being I'll attach myself to the optomistic thought that there are still some overachieving honest companies who have a passion to make quality gear at an affordable price. I applaud Emotiva and cannot wait for the new processor to be released. I cannot recommend this amp any higher. This was delivered to my door for 824.00. I've had interconnect that costed more and believe me they never had this amount of impact on my audio system. My hats off to Emotiva. This is a fantastic amp at any price.

[bigred7078]

Feb 25, 2009 20:34:59 GMT -5 krelldog said:

Recently I needed to free up some cash and decided to downsize my audio system. I was running a Pass X-250 driving my mains and an Aragon 8008x3 driving my center and rears. My plan involved selling the above 2 amps and buying one 5 channel amp. My budget was around 1K so initially I was convinced I was going to have to buy a used amp. In an ironic twist a buddy had mentioned had I ever heard of Emotiva. I had not but was intriqued and decided to at least check out your website. I'm not usually a bargain hunter and as a rule of thumb I usually stick with the more recognized audio companies. I was immediately impressed with the build quality and unheard of features at this price point. When you factor in balanced inputs/rear power switch/great binding posts/great cosmetics and a transferrable 5 year warranty-oh and by the way I can demo it for 30 days and send it back if I'm not happy............The decision was simple and the next thing I new the Fed Ex guy was swearing under his breath as he carried this beast to my front door.

I unboxed the XPA-5 and was impressed by how well it was packed. The vivid photos on the website don't do it justice. This is a nice looking amplifier. After hooking it up and playing light music thru it for around 24 hours I decided to do some serious listening. I really had no expectations. I figured if nothing else I'm sure it will suffice to power my 5.1 system. I figured I would cut right to the chase and play some of my reference 2 channel favorite recordings. I also took into account that in no way was this amp broken in so again my expectations weren't all that high. I was immediately struck by how neutral and authoratative this amp sounded. I'm not going to compare it to my former 6K power amp but I will say I was pretty freaking impressed. I played the XPA-5 thru Martin Logan Ascents and Swan M6HT's. Both sets of speakers being of exceptional quality but very different in personality. My Ascents are very revealing. If you put crap in-crap comes out. Audio flaws in the chain are very obvious with a good electrostatic. I was blown away by the XPA-5. I listened to 2 channel-5 channel SACD-5.1 movies and concerts all with the same results. I'm still wondering what thge catch is but for the time being I'll attach myself to the optomistic thought that there are still some overachieving honest companies who have a passion to make quality gear at an affordable price. I applaud Emotiva and cannot wait for the new processor to be released. I cannot recommend this amp any higher. This was delivered to my door for 824.00. I've had interconnect that costed more and believe me they never had this amount of impact on my audio system. My hats off to Emotiva. This is a fantastic amp at any price.

I read your review over on AVS a few days ago too. Thanks for taking the time to put your thoughts into writing here
It's pretty cool that it impressed you even right after using the Pass X250

[krelldog]

I'm pretty straight forward. If I wasn't that impressed with the XPA-5 I certainly wouldn't take the time to write a review. On a strange note.................I answered a thread on AudioGon pertaining to someone asking about the XPA-5. They were curious and wondering if anyone had any experience with Emotiva(specifically the XPA-5) I answered the thread reflective of my above findings. AudioGon deleted my post. A few days later I carefully re-worded my reply and it was deleted again. I have started and participated in many topics on AudioGon's forum over the years and never had anything deleted..............and now they won't let me post about Emotiva. I found that awful strange.

[bigred7078]

Feb 25, 2009 22:18:12 GMT -5 krelldog said:

I'm pretty straight forward. If I wasn't that impressed with the XPA-5 I certainly wouldn't take the time to write a review. On a strange note.................I answered a thread on AudioGon pertaining to someone asking about the XPA-5. They were curious and wondering if anyone had any experience with Emotiva(specifically the XPA-5) I answered the thread reflective of my above findings. AudioGon deleted my post. A few days later I carefully re-worded my reply and it was deleted again. I have started and participated in many topics on AudioGon's forum over the years and never had anything deleted..............and now they won't let me post about Emotiva. I found that awful strange.

.....that is super strange i wonder whats going on with that?



anyway, post those pics from avs over here too! You have great equipment and im sure others would enjoy drooling over the ML's and new Swans ;D


Do you still use the XPA-5?

[krelldog]

Yes its my main amp. I sold the Pass.

[bigred7078]

Feb 25, 2009 23:06:18 GMT -5 krelldog said:

Yes its my main amp. I sold the Pass.

Well that definately says ALOT about the Emotiva


P.s- if you just tried to post a pic in that large space it didnt show up

[krelldog]

My laptop with my pics died . I'm using a new laptop and will have to take some new pics. I'll post some soon.

[f1nels]

Deleted posts? I'll admit Emotivas pricing gives you 'why buy used thoughts?'

[artisz]

Hi Krelldog did You pay for Yor Swans by selling MLs?

[UT-Driven]

They probably deleted your posts because if everyone knew that you can get a high quality amp for so little, they would not have anyone sell their other stuff.

The other Doug

[krelldog]

Artisz- For the time being I'm going to keep both. I'm tossing around the idea of a second system and I'm really attached to the Swan M6HT's. Its 2 different sounds and I really like both. Decisions..Decisions.................Did you get your 2.2's yet?

[artisz]

krelldog- not yet still waiting. Chris told me it will take about six weeks for them to arrive, so I guess it will be before the end of march. It'll will be a nice trip for me as I live north of the border. Looking forward to auditioning rest of the Swans lines. I hope I'll be happy with my new speakers for a long time, so next on my list will be XMC-1 when it comes out and upgrading my XPA-5 to two XPA-1s for the fronts and let the XPA-5 power the rest or I'll sell it to my buddy and get an XPA-3 for my center and rears. Than I think I'll be done and happy, as I think I'll reach the limit of my budget for audio components.

[krelldog]

Artisz- When you make the trip let me know. I'm about 30 miles from Chris if I'm not working I'll meet you there. I would like to do some more auditioning also. Your 2.2's are really beautiful speakers but wait till you see the 2.3's and the 2.5's simply amazing..............

[krelldog]

Artisz- BTW- I sold my Pass X-250 to a guy in Burlington Ontario. Is that close to you?

[artisz]

krelldog- Burlington is very close. When I'll drive surely I'll let You know and we can listen to all of them and compare. I use to have Wharfedales Evo2- 40's they sounded pretty nice and warm and I hope that F2.2F will not disappoint me.