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Post by brutiarti on Feb 4, 2016 22:32:12 GMT -5
If you don't consider yourself having "golden ears", then why not just grab a mini-x? Guaranteed most people can't tell the difference until listening at very loud levels, or unless you've been dabbling in this hobby for some time and _know_ what you're listening for. The mini-x costs little and performs huge, ask anyone who owns one. Personally, I kind of like Boomzilla's advice too; there is far more to an amp than raw wattage, why not explore other options? You have soooo many options on the table since your speakers need just a dribble of power, seems kind of extreme to me to go for the xprs, even if they are a tiny little bit more "reference level" then other amps. It's just focusing on one aspect of an amp, specifically the exact aspect which your speakers the least off (wattage), other amps may make your speakers sing so nice too, with a fraction of the watts and price tag. You think the mini-X could sound better than the XPA-2? No way the mini-x can move speakers the same way than an xpa-2. I bought a mini-x a couple of weeks ago for my computer speakers Audioengine passive and i was disappointed. I know the audioengines are 4ohm but they are little so i thought that the mini-x will drive them nicely, but unfortunately the sound wasn't right with the mini. I'm using a Pioneer vintage integrated amp and the speakers sound really nice now. Probably i'm gonna sell the mini really soon. |
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Post by DavidR on Feb 4, 2016 22:33:19 GMT -5
Wow that's hard to believe! I guess I don't understand the difference between XPA and XPR. I also don't understand why Emotiva would stop making them if they are that much better. Shipping weight for one. The new G3 line has advantages of stocking fewer parts plus the flexibility of several models in one housing. More new products to be announced, too. |
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Post by garbulky on Feb 5, 2016 1:10:31 GMT -5
Hold on. If you don't personally want to upgrade the RF 7, I don't know I personally would go higher than the mighty XPA-2. True a larger amp may give a benefit, but not enough for the price. imo.
I am about a true performance upgarde as money is valuable to me. I haven't heard the specific Klipsch model though I have heard several higher end (older) Klipsches. I personally wouldn't worry about more than an XPA-2.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2016 3:25:16 GMT -5
Unless you have a huge room and play at rock concert levels, but instead you have a more normal large size room and play at very loud levels, I would go with the XPA-2 over the SA-250 and save $400. If you look at Emo's AP (Audio Precision) tests reports you'll see that the XPA-2 has 50 watts more into 8 ohms (just slightly louder but every watt counts for instantaneous peaks) plus the distortion and noise are almost exactly the same. I can't comment on 4 ohms (not sure how low the Klipsch drops in impedence) since the AP on the SA-250 at 4 ohms is not consistent with the specs. The XPA-2 in the AP tested at 500 watts into 4 ohms. I couldn't find any published reviews on the RF-7II with the impedance but would guess it drops down close to 4 ohms at times.
No offense intended, I put very little confidence in folks comparing the sound of SS amps from Emo into a specific speaker(s) unless they have done an A/B test between the two amps driving the RF-7II switching back and forth. I think you would hear a minute difference if any unless the amp clips. As far as sensitivity, I've seen tests running very sensitive speakers loafing along with rock or classical music (very dynamic range) at about 25-50 and suddenly requiring 800 watts on peaks. Klipsch themselves suggest 250-1000 watts for the RF-7II. I don't think they are selling amps but encouraging owners to have plenty of power for those huge instantaneous peaks when many amps will distort/clip. I think the XPA-2 would probably be plenty adequate with the RF-7II for most folks and the XPR-2 would only add 3 dB's more output. Perhaps put the $400 towards a big powerful sub from HSU, SVS, PSA or Rythmik. Even if you don't get into movies/LFE signals you will appreciate a sub to cover the lower bass from about 70Hz and down for the RF-7II. Yes it has two 10" woofer but Klipsch towers put out very powerful bass slam but not that much below about 40Hz (they go up to 1200Hz on the woofer until crossover) if you like pipe organ or synthesized bass. Crossing over to a sub at about 70-80Hz lowers the power strain on the amp from there down as the sub takes over.
In a review that thatcher posted a link from SoundVision Review on the RF-7II it states:
And the RF-7 II is no disappointment. Turn up the volume, and the RF-7 II responds immediately. They do not go very deep in the bass, but on the other hand there´s an insane weight in the bass.
Lounge Post
Feb 8, 2011 at 7:25pm QuotelikePost Options Post by fsubales on Feb 8, 2011 at 7:25pm:
I personally own the RF7II matched with the XPA-2 and love them both. I listen to a lot of rock music and the sound stage and depth of the RF-7II is amazing. The RF-7II are monsters. and Matched with my HSU VTF-15H They are awesome.
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alto
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Post by alto on Feb 5, 2016 7:42:00 GMT -5
So other than DavidR no one else thinks the SA-250 would sound any better than the XPA-2?
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Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2016 20:42:32 GMT -5
So other than DavidR no one else thinks the SA-250 would sound any better than the XPA-2? It would depend on your own ears whether you would be able to notice a difference with the amp in your setup. The best bet is to order it, and audition it for yourself to know the answer. If it doesn't make a difference you send it back for a full refund within the 30 day trial period. If you notice a difference and like the results you keep the amp. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 6, 2016 3:42:08 GMT -5
So other than DavidR no one else thinks the SA-250 would sound any better than the XPA-2? It would depend on your own ears whether you would be able to notice a difference with the amp in your setup. The best best is to order it, and audition it for yourself to know the answer. If it doesn't make a difference you send it back for a full refund within the 30 day trial period. If you notice a difference and like the results you keep the amp. I have a perhaps better idea but more complicated and that might cost a few extra bucks for accessories and take some time. Alto said he heard the RF-7II/XPA-2 before, but unless that was in his room in the same exact location, after he makes the SA-250 purchase it would not be a valid comparison IMO. Most people (like 99%) don't have an accurate audio memory past a very short period of time, minutes and not days. If you just can't decide then I would order both. Take several days and test them out carefully with whatever splitters, wire, etc you might need . Remember if one amp drives the speakers slightly louder at the same setting on the pre-pro then it will always sound better. Use a Radio Shack Sound Level Meter to make sure you have the same volume output for both amps and note the volume number (maybe different) on the pre-pro for each amp using the same test tone from a test tone CD (say 1kHz). Once you know the exact volume setting on the pre-pro for each amp so they are both driving the speakers at the same exact volume, then you can play back some test music to decide if you can detect any difference in sound quality. If you can set this up properly, then after making sure the amp volume is exactly the same having used the test tone, you can drive with one amp, hit pause on the CD, etc. switch amps (on a switcher) and adjust the pre-pro volume number if necessary, then hit play again. Try different music and vary the procedures a little as you like. If after testing you are not consistently able to hear any difference then I would send back the more expensive amp unless you find some other reason except for better sound to chose one amp over the other. If you can have a friend come over and several times do the amp switching so you don't know which amp is being used and again see if you hear any difference. If you use a Visa/MC card you can return one for a full credit refund and only have to pay the return freight and you will know for sure. In the case of comparing two A/B amps I'm always a sucker for weight indicating more heft. SA-250, 58lbs .......... XPA-2, 73lbs |
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alto
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Post by alto on Feb 6, 2016 5:00:23 GMT -5
It would depend on your own ears whether you would be able to notice a difference with the amp in your setup. The best best is to order it, and audition it for yourself to know the answer. If it doesn't make a difference you send it back for a full refund within the 30 day trial period. If you notice a difference and like the results you keep the amp. I have a perhaps better idea but more complicated and that might cost a few extra bucks for accessories and take some time. Alto said he heard the RF-7II/XPA-2 before, but unless that was in his room in the same exact location, after he makes the SA-250 purchase it would not be a valid comparison IMO. Most people (like 99%) don't have an accurate audio memory past a very short period of time, minutes and not days. If you just can't decide then I would order both. Take several days and test them out carefully with whatever splitters, wire, etc you might need . Remember if one amp drives the speakers slightly louder at the same setting on the pre-pro then it will always sound better. Use a Radio Shack Sound Level Meter to make sure you have the same volume output for both amps and note the volume number (maybe different) on the pre-pro for each amp using the same test tone from a test tone CD (say 1kHz). Once you know the exact volume setting on the pre-pro for each amp so they are both driving the speakers at the same exact volume, then you can play back some test music to decide if you can detect any difference in sound quality. If you can set this up properly, then after making sure the amp volume is exactly the same having used the test tone, you can drive with one amp, hit pause on the CD, etc. switch amps (on a switcher) and adjust the pre-pro volume number if necessary, then hit play again. Try different music and vary the procedures a little as you like. If after testing you are not consistently able to hear any difference then I would send back the more expensive amp unless you find some other reason except for better sound to chose one amp over the other. If you can have a friend come over and several times do the amp switching so you don't know which amp is being used and again see if you hear any difference. If you use a Visa/MC card you can return one for a full credit refund and only have to pay the return freight and you will know for sure. In the case of comparing two A/B amps I'm always a sucker for weight indicating more heft. SA-250, 58lbs .......... XPA-2, 73lbs I also have found a pair of XPA-1Ls for sale which weigh 35lbs each. I read Keith saying he thought the 1Ls were the best sounding amp they have made. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 6, 2016 6:38:20 GMT -5
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Post by garbulky on Feb 6, 2016 11:03:31 GMT -5
I have a perhaps better idea but more complicated and that might cost a few extra bucks for accessories and take some time. Alto said he heard the RF-7II/XPA-2 before, but unless that was in his room in the same exact location, after he makes the SA-250 purchase it would not be a valid comparison IMO. Most people (like 99%) don't have an accurate audio memory past a very short period of time, minutes and not days. If you just can't decide then I would order both. Take several days and test them out carefully with whatever splitters, wire, etc you might need . Remember if one amp drives the speakers slightly louder at the same setting on the pre-pro then it will always sound better. Use a Radio Shack Sound Level Meter to make sure you have the same volume output for both amps and note the volume number (maybe different) on the pre-pro for each amp using the same test tone from a test tone CD (say 1kHz). Once you know the exact volume setting on the pre-pro for each amp so they are both driving the speakers at the same exact volume, then you can play back some test music to decide if you can detect any difference in sound quality. If you can set this up properly, then after making sure the amp volume is exactly the same having used the test tone, you can drive with one amp, hit pause on the CD, etc. switch amps (on a switcher) and adjust the pre-pro volume number if necessary, then hit play again. Try different music and vary the procedures a little as you like. If after testing you are not consistently able to hear any difference then I would send back the more expensive amp unless you find some other reason except for better sound to chose one amp over the other. If you can have a friend come over and several times do the amp switching so you don't know which amp is being used and again see if you hear any difference. If you use a Visa/MC card you can return one for a full credit refund and only have to pay the return freight and you will know for sure. In the case of comparing two A/B amps I'm always a sucker for weight indicating more heft. SA-250, 58lbs .......... XPA-2, 73lbs I also have found a pair of XPA-1Ls for sale which weigh 35lbs each. I read Keith saying he thought the 1Ls were the best sounding amp they have made. It's not. It's a good sounding amp which is a good bargain. It brings features to the table which no other amp can amtch at its price like class A monoblock which is fully balanced with quite a lot of power. |
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Post by DavidR on Feb 17, 2016 20:00:15 GMT -5
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alto
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Post by alto on Feb 17, 2016 20:49:47 GMT -5
I guess I'll send the XPA-2 back and consider getting a XPA-5. I would use it to bi amp the RF-7iis and power the center RC-64, or pick up a pair of XPA-1ls and upgrade RF-7iis crossovers. I've been on the Klipcsh forum talking to Deang, he may do some work on the RF-7iis passive crossover network. Everyone in the forums has been very helpful but they have also reminded me that achieving great sound isnt always easy.
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