2 new XPA-100 coming my way.

[hollowpt]

Hi all,It has been a while since I've visited the lounge. Since my last visit I've pretty much sold my whole rig, except for my cd player. I used to have a Denon receiver that was 10 years old, Magnepan MG-12 mains, a UPA-200 ect... Well I was getting worried about my Maggies getting damaged(coming unglued) literally because my place is in the basement. Although completely finished, it's still a basement. Very high humidity in the summer, even with a couple of dehumidifiers on a full tilt. So I sold them along with the rest of my system. I started with a new 55in. Samsung LED,next I got a really good deal on some Polk RTI A9 mains, a Polk LSIM706 center and nice surrounds. Next I took delivery of an Anthem MRX 510 receiver. I went with the 510 instead of the 710, because it's the same receiver except for the amps. The 710 puts out 120 watts x 7, and the 510 is 100 watts x 7. Knowing full well that I was going to amplify a least the front channels with another Emo amp. The Polk mains arrived at the house a few days before my old stereo was picked up by my brother in law, so I tried out my new speakers with my old UPA-200. Wow! It sounded so clean. At 120 watts per side that UPA sounded so darn good. Don't get me wrong, the Anthem with its ARC 2 sound processing does a really good job over my room modes. I really have all the control over the sound, but its missing, Power! If the unprocessed sound was so nice and clean with my Polk RTI A9s and my old UPA-200, I can't wait for the new XPA-100 monos to get here. Should I expect a substancial jump in quality and quantity over the UPA? Anyways I'll find out in a few days I guess. BTW, my mains and center are connected with Blue Jeans 10Ga speaker wire. I didn't want to spend an arm for them. I'll let things burn-in for a few weeks and let you know how everything turns out. Later.

[Gary Cook]

Good choice with the XPA-100's, the most underrated amp in the Emotiva line up IMHO.

Cheers
Gary

[garbulky]

The XPA-100s have the same amp blade as found in the XPA-5 with an independent power supply. I really liked the sound signature of my UPA-2. It was very natural. The XPA-100's follow along the same sound signature lines though not necessarily the same "sound" due to increased power.

[hollowpt]

Yup, it seems that the XPA-100s are pretty much the black sheep of the family. They should be alright with my setup.

[jmasterj]

Hi hollowpt,

and welcome to the lounge, and I also take great pleasure in welcoming you to the Emotiva Secret Mono Block Society. I agree with Gary Cook the XPA-100 are the best kept secret at Emotiva. No doubt you will enjoy them.

[hollowpt]

LIFE IS GOOD WITH GOD

[hollowpt]

I haven't gotten them yet(2 more days), and I'm already tempted to order one for my center. LOL. Call me old fashioned, but I've always liked my components to have at least some heft to them(toroidal power supplies), you know what I mean? You can feel(weight) the power. Actual weight is only part of the winning formula, but an important aspect of quality amps, preamps, cd players and so on. These 100s are actually lightweight compared to some other amps I've owned. But like I said previously I already know what the UPA-200 sounds like with my current Polks. The quality and quantity can only go up from there with their own power supply and 3 times the reserves in capacity. Hee Haw! Later guys.

[vcautokid]

Oh yeah twice everything, twice the power supplies. Twice over on isolation, i.e. no cross talk, no shared anything. And lifetime membership to the Mono Amplifier Club. A large big deal. Audio Nirvana et al. Congrats on the XPA-100 amplifiers. They are amazing. Let us know how you like them.

[ac2011]

I bought 2 a few months back and really enjoy them; really wanting one for the center now; but even with the b-stock sale, the price is so high to get one to Canada

[hollowpt]

Hey again, I know all to well how expensive it is to order "anything" from the states. First of all the 46% exchange rates on our poor Canadian dollar, second,duties at the border, and thirdly, the time it takes for the component to be delivered to us in the GREAT WHITE NORTH, although it is better than it was in the past for a speedy delivery. You know what I just thought of though, with Gen 3 amps, my understanding is that they are going to be built at the factory in the US, so no duties for us Canadians. Yes!, that works. I counted things up, and I actually saved quite a bit ordering them from Quebec Acoustic in Quebec. No exchange rates, no duties, no brokerage fees, and way faster delivery. It's a win win, for once. Anyways, they were shipped yesterday and are suppose to arrive tomorrow. I'll see. I'm ready.

[cheapthryl]

If you think you may want one for your center, buy new now or buy used later. New amps are quite large.

[hollowpt]

I am quite sure that my Anthem can push all I need for center and surround duties. It is only rated at 100 watts per, but it is the cleanest sound I've ever had from any receiver I've had, and I have owned quite a few from Yamaha, Pioneer, Sony, Harman Kardon, and the last one I had was a high end Denon at 140 per at 8ohms. I really like the technology that Anthem is using for their amps and sound processing. It really gives the user excellent control over the entire sound spectrum. So as far as amplification goes I'll be all set. I have my eye on the next gen high end Oppo players. That's next on the agenda.

[hollowpt]

Hi all. Well. I'm finally got my XPA-100s last week, and all I have to say is WOW! They really woke up my Polk RTI A9 speakers running as my mains. Nice and tight bass, liquid mids, and sweet resolution on the highs. In other words if I want the to, they Slam! I am very satisfied with the power these little Emos have. I couldn't ask for more. Very sweet. Love em'. Thanks once again Emotiva. Hats off.