Center Speaker, Xpa-1L (with Xpa-2 or Xpa -200) or Xpa-3

[Tungx2]

Hello Folks,

I'm wondering if it would be an improvement or if it make sense at this point.

I currently have 2 Xpa-1 Gen 2 for the mains, and Xpa-3 for the center and surrounds.

I have extra speakers for the back speakers for 7.1, but I just don't have the room at the moment.

My question is, should I replace the Xpa-3 with Xpa-1L or even Xpa-1? Then power my surrounds with Xpa-2 or Xpa-200

The lowest budget consideration is to remain the same. And if I want to add 2 extra channels (5.1 > 7.1), then I can get an Xpa-2 or Xpa-200.

But I'm concerned about the center channel not being "in-sync" with the 2 front channels, hence the idea of upgrading the center channel.

Don't get me wrong, the system sounds superb now. Especially with the new XMC-1, it's amazing. However, even amazing has room for improvement

[garbulky]

I think what you have is pretty good. The center will take up power and the surrounds will take up much less. So for instance the XPA-3 will actually push the unused power towards the center channel or whichever channel demands it. What this means is that it can provide significantly more power into the center channel than it is rated for as the power for the surround channels relatively low in use.

[Tungx2]

but it's not monoblock lol

having that said, in theater mode, it doesn't matter as much to have all the front speakers aligned? Especially when the speakers themselves are different anyways

[Gary Cook]

I have a pair of XPA-1L's driving the FL & FR and an XPA-5 driving the C, RS & LS and for movies it doesn't sound any different to when I had the XPA-5 driving all 5 channels.

Cheers
Gary

[audiosyndrome]

Why not 1Ls all the way around. What a light show.

[Tungx2]

After having much thought into Gary's comment, I guess i'll just stick with my xpa-3 to do front and surround duties for now. Thanks for all the input.

[novisnick]

Tungx2,
I say your fine where you are and if /when you can go to 7.? Then I personally would reallocate the XPA-3 and incorporate a XPA-5 gen 2 , the center channel will get the most use out of the XPA-5 and light duty for the surround and rear speakers.

The MONOBLOCKS will continue to do and exemplary job for both two channel stereo and HT duties!! Enjoy and have fun!!

[Tungx2]

thanks Novisnick,

Based on your suggestion, I do want to move the xpa-3 to my desktop computer. But that's probably just overkill like crazy. I've been investigating Airmotiv 6 with svs pc-2000 in my desktop setup. The Airmotiva 6 is powered and don't need my xpa-3. Shame...

[novisnick]

Maybe, sell the XPA-3 and turn the cash into whatever you like. The XPA-3 for sitting at your desk is not only overkill but,,,,,WHAT?,,,,,,WHAT?,,,,, I can't hear you!!,,,,,,WHAT??,,,,,he,,,,,,he,,,,,,he,,,,,,,,,