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Post by snguyenpbi on Mar 1, 2015 19:31:24 GMT -5
Any one here ever try XPR-1 with the B&W 800 Diamond? I am currently using the XPA-1 with it and it sound imaging but I wonder what the XPR-1 would sound....will it be any better than XPA-1?
Also, I have the XPA-3 running B&W HTM2 Diamond center and pair 805 Diamond but I am not really satisfy with the sound from the center. Will it be better if I get another XPA-1 for the center?
I love Emotiva amps since I feel they are the best amp for the price....I used Macintosh and Bryston and I really don't think it's better than Emotiva that much but it cost a lot more....
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Post by djoel on Mar 1, 2015 21:02:09 GMT -5
Welcome on board, I know they're a few folks on AVS forum, using ultra high end speakers with Emo amps..I used a pair of XPA-1 with my 802N's when I owned them, and they sounded amazing.. I also owned a pair of 7K Cary mono amps that sounds very similar to the Emotiva mono, there's something so effortlessly about Mono's that brings this warmness to their sound! Well that's my story and I'm sticking to it  Also there's a professional Magazine Audio reviewer, Christ" I believe his last name escapes me at the moment but he uses XPR-1 with his system as well! Good luck Djoel |
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Post by snguyenpbi on Mar 1, 2015 23:26:47 GMT -5
Thank you for your input....I may just have to take the risk and try the XPR-1. I think it will sound a little bit better than the XPA-1 but I just don't know is it worth it or not. I may just try another XPA-1 for my center since the XPA-3 seems to be too weak for the HTM2 Diamond.
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Lsc
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Post by Lsc on Mar 2, 2015 1:09:35 GMT -5
Especially with speakers like yours, you really owe it to yourself go XPR all around. XPR-1 x 3 and XPR-2 for the surrounds.
My XPR-5 is more than capable of handling my C208 which is a little less sensitive than the HTM2 but the HTM2 deserves the best Emotiva has. Just my $0.02.
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Post by vcautokid on Mar 2, 2015 1:58:56 GMT -5
I sold B & W 800 series Diamond allot. Always bought lots of power to the party. They like that allot. XPR family amplifiers are great to get the most from your B & W Diamond 800 series speakers.
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Post by guzz46 on Mar 2, 2015 2:07:03 GMT -5
My two cents worth, I haven't heard XPR-1's but I've had a few different power amps over the years, and personally I think there isn't a whole lot of difference between the sound of solid state power amps, some people will say the XPR-1's will sound better, others won't, but I think you'll get much better results by spending your money else where, like on your source or preamp for example.
I'll keep my XPA-1's for as long as they last, I just don't see the point in spending heaps more $$$ on an amp for marginal improvements (if any) when changing your source will most likely give you much bigger improvements for less $$$, there's also the law of diminishing returns to consider as well.
I also have the XPA-3 driving my center speaker, which spec wise is similar to yours (more sensitive but lower impedance) and it drives it easily, plenty of dynamics, and it barely even gets warm, so I find it odd that it wouldn't have enough power for your center.
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Post by djoel on Mar 2, 2015 14:33:10 GMT -5
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Post by garbulky on Mar 2, 2015 15:22:57 GMT -5
The XPR's (well the XPR-2) have a slightly more sophisticated sound. It is similar to a UPA-2 but obviously better. It's treble is slightly laid back. It can produce a slightly better 3 dimensional sound with instruments than the XPA series could. It has a relaxed feel to the sound. Honestly, it's upto the reviewer, which sound he prefers (if at all) as the difference is a little subtle.
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Post by Porscheguy on Mar 2, 2015 16:59:26 GMT -5
Any one here ever try XPR-1 with the B&W 800 Diamond? I am currently using the XPA-1 with it and it sound imaging but I wonder what the XPR-1 would sound....will it be any better than XPA-1? Also, I have the XPA-3 running B&W HTM2 Diamond center and pair 805 Diamond but I am not really satisfy with the sound from the center. Will it be better if I get another XPA-1 for the center? I love Emotiva amps since I feel they are the best amp for the price....I used Macintosh and Bryston and I really don't think it's better than Emotiva that much but it cost a lot more.... Most Emo amps sound the same.. The XPR gives you dynamics and headroom...  |
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Post by snguyenpbi on Mar 2, 2015 20:18:38 GMT -5
I also have the XPA-3 driving my center speaker, which spec wise is similar to yours (more sensitive but lower impedance) and it drives it easily, plenty of dynamics, and it barely even gets warm, so I find it odd that it wouldn't have enough power for your center.
I really don't know why but the XPA-3 sound fantastic on my CMC2 but not with HTM2 Diamond....especially when the 800 on it side. I have to turned the volume really loud to hear the center. I am thinking sell the pair XPA-1L and use the XPA-1 for my CM9 then buy 3 XPR-1 for the 800 and the center. It would be best but it maybe over kill for the center and may not be money wise either.
I used to have the Macintosh MC450 driving the B&W 800 and I can tell all of you the pair XPA-1 would beat the MC450 hand down with less than half the cost and that's why I am in love with Emotiva amp. I also found Marantz preamp works very well with Emotiva amp. I had Marantz 8801 and 7702 and they both works very well with Emotiva gear.
Again, thank you very much for all of your inputs.
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Post by vneal on Mar 2, 2015 20:27:02 GMT -5
First I love the top of the line B&Ws. They deserve the top of the line Emotivas
My system is much more economical
But I can dream
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Post by ocezam on Mar 2, 2015 21:06:49 GMT -5
You'd be buying dynamics and headroom like Porscheguy said. There will be very minor SQ difference. It's entirely up to you if the extra money is worth it. My XPA-1s were driven into protect mode on a couple of VERY rare and VERY loud occasions so I swapped for a pair of XPR-1s. I can't get near the end of these amps power. Really incredible amps in my opinion. Good luck with your choice.
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Post by novisnick on Mar 2, 2015 21:48:55 GMT -5
You'd be buying dynamics and headroom like Porscheguy said. There will be very minor SQ difference. It's entirely up to you if the extra money is worth it. My XPA-1s were driven into protect mode on a couple of VERY rare and VERY loud occasions so I swapped for a pair of XPR-1s. I can't get near the end of these amps power. Really incredible amps in my opinion. Good luck with your choice. I've been accused of preaching about the XPR-1 MONOBLOCKS , but dang it,,,,,it's all true! They bring the Icing and Cherry on top!!! That's the fact. 50% of my posts,,,,,,really, about monos??? I think not. Big Dogs make me dance!!  |
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Post by guzz46 on Mar 2, 2015 21:56:00 GMT -5
I also have the XPA-3 driving my center speaker, which spec wise is similar to yours (more sensitive but lower impedance) and it drives it easily, plenty of dynamics, and it barely even gets warm, so I find it odd that it wouldn't have enough power for your center. I really don't know why but the XPA-3 sound fantastic on my CMC2 but not with HTM2 Diamond....especially when the 800 on it side. I have to turned the volume really loud to hear the center. I am thinking sell the pair XPA-1L and use the XPA-1 for my CM9 then buy 3 XPR-1 for the 800 and the center. It would be best but it maybe over kill for the center and may not be money wise either. I used to have the Macintosh MC450 driving the B&W 800 and I can tell all of you the pair XPA-1 would beat the MC450 hand down with less than half the cost and that's why I am in love with Emotiva amp. I also found Marantz preamp works very well with Emotiva amp. I had Marantz 8801 and 7702 and they both works very well with Emotiva gear. Again, thank you very much for all of your inputs. Before you spend any money why don't you take your XPA-1L's and bi-amp the HTM2, that will give you an idea adding if adding extra power will make any difference to how your center sounds. |
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lewers
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You can't have too much clean power
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Post by lewers on Mar 2, 2015 23:27:44 GMT -5
Comparing the XPR-1 to the XPA-1 full range on my main speakers, the biggest difference was bass control.
Not even loud or dynamic material just normal listening level foot pedal bass drum, string bass and lower information through the mains was more musical to me.
As others have mentioned here already, the difference was not night and day, but given the quality of your speaker I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the XPR-1. And just my opinion on the center, try the XPA-1 on that before you pop for an XPR-1 for the center.
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Post by Kent on Mar 3, 2015 23:54:45 GMT -5
I would guess the XPR-1's would be better for the 800 Diamonds because they really sing with powerful amplification. How much so I don't know? I haven't heard the XPA-1's but I'm sure they sound great too and know they have enough power to handle the 800's.
How much better can only be determined by an A/B comparison so if you're Stateside you could do the 30 day trial? BTW my speakers really came alive with the XPR-1's feeding them:)
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Post by deltadube on Mar 4, 2015 0:02:13 GMT -5
Thank you for your input....I may just have to take the risk and try the XPR-1. I think it will sound a little bit better than the XPA-1 but I just don't know is it worth it or not. I may just try another XPA-1 for my center since the XPA-3 seems to be too weak for the HTM2 Diamond. might be your room acoustics.. im good with my xpa 1 s on mains and xpa 3 on my big centre.. .. I do wounder how an xpa 1 on the centre would be though.. think the xpr 1s be a bit nicer.. cheers.. |
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Post by iliveinyourhead on Jul 26, 2015 17:54:36 GMT -5
This was the icing on the cake for me. I am between amps at the moment but reading the thread over at AVS has pushed me over the edge i'm calling tomorrow and ordering a pair of XPR-1's thanks for finding that thread Djoel |
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Post by djoel on Jul 26, 2015 18:30:58 GMT -5
This was the icing on the cake for me. I am between amps at the moment but reading the thread over at AVS has pushed me over the edge i'm calling tomorrow and ordering a pair of XPR-1's thanks for finding that thread Djoel Sweet, what amps did you have/owned? Please post back with your thoughts and even pics if possible! Dan |
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Post by iliveinyourhead on Jul 26, 2015 19:51:01 GMT -5
Bryston 9B, XPA-1 Gen1, XPA-100 , Peachtree 220, Adcom 555 mkII, Parasound HCA2200 mkII , ARC VT-100, ARC D-250 mkII servo, Yamaha PC-2002m (AMAZING AMP) ...
all i know is that you just made me realize i should be keeping a log of what gets rotated through my system, i'm pretty sure i have had at least a few more amps over the past 3 years. (first world problems huh?)
i'll post my thoughts and photos once they arrive. FWIW they will be wired to a pair of Infinity IRS Deltas
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