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Post by roadwar on Dec 1, 2016 21:54:55 GMT -5
COME ON FEBRUARY! That's what I'm thinking will do it for me.....one Gen3 sized box with two double wide modules and massive power supply to give 2 channels with 500-600 WPC. I'm ready. Take my money.
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Post by Bonzo on Dec 1, 2016 22:30:10 GMT -5
First I wanted to say congratulations on the very nice review. I expected no different. Emotiva amps are fantastic through and through, and I had every confidence these new amps would be at least equal, if not better than what was previous available. Really great news to read that it’s in fact true.
Second, I want to continue my “nothing but resounding accolade posts” regarding the modularity of these new amps, and especially the the multiple variations of available blades. As the reviewer states, being able to add channels is great, but the ability to order an amp configured with so many possibilities from the factory is awesome. I have stated this many times here on this forum, and my thoughts have not changed. I find this attribute a stroke of genius on Emotiva’s part.
On that note, my XPA-2 and XPA-5 amps have performed fantastically without hick ups. In my current 7.2 system, with my limited budget, I originally thought there would never really be a need to change. I contemplated moving up to XPA-1’s for the 2 mains, but with my speakers, budget, and rack space, I stuck with the tried and true XPA-2. With the advent of Atmos / DTS:X, for which I am planning to implement and am already pre-wired for, I have been considering my options. Of course, adding a 3rd amp to the mix would do it. But I think there is a better plan for me and these new XPA Gen 3 amps are high on my future upgrade list (after an XMC with Atmos/DTS, and a new Oppo disc player). My plan would be to purchase one XPA-Gen 3 with three of the soon to be released doublewide blades. This will enable me to have equal gobs of fully balanced power across the front three similarly voiced speakers where the best sound is key. Then to also purchase a second XPA-Gen 3 with two “regular” single channel blades, and five of the upcoming dual channel blades. I would use the two regular higher power blades to drive my newly purchased (but used) matching driver side surrounds, and then use the remaining five lower powered dual channel blades to drive the back channels (of which I will use 4 speakers), and up to six Atmos/DTS:X height channels (7.3.6 is the every most my room will ever accommodate). Buying it “fully loaded” will allow for some built in future upgrading or optional configurations if I so choose. All this with the added bonus’ of keeping my rack space down to two units and having much lighter units to move around when needed.
So again, great to read.
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Post by Bonzo on Dec 1, 2016 22:36:51 GMT -5
I thought that Keith explained it pretty well (he usually does), personally I'm not confused. I agree. Keith almost always does a very good and thorough job of this. Well, speculating around here is usually frowned upon, but since you did it, I'll give it a whirl and just add my purely speculative guess about this weeks up coming announcement. With these new spectacular doublewides on their way, my strong guess is that the legendary "legacy" XPA-1 is on it's way out. Let's see if I'm right, perhaps tomorrow. |
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Post by tchaik on Dec 2, 2016 9:06:00 GMT -5
The plan has gone through several iterations.
HERE IS THE CURRENT SITUATION WITH XPA Gen3 MODULES.....
1) Our XPA Gen3 amplifier chassis is currently available with anywhere between two and seven single-channel modules. 2) That option will soon be joined by a new dual channel module. Each of these modules will house two channels, each lower in power than the current channel modules. These use the same power supply as the current channel modules, and you will be able to "mix and match" them in the same chassis. One option will be to put seven dual-channel modules in a single chassis for a total of fourteen channels. Another option will be to install several single channel modules for your main channels, and several dual-channel modules for your surround channels. Of course, you can also use the lower powered channels to run speakers in other zones, or to bi-amp or tri-amp some speakers. 3) We will also be introducing a fully differential XPA Gen3 amplifier module. These are the "double-wide monoblock" channels you've heard rumors about. Massive power and ultimate finesse. Each fully differential, fully balanced, channel will consist of a pair of specially designed modules - linked together. (As with all fully balanced amps, they will be operating as a balanced bridge.) Each of these modules occupies two module slots, so the XPA Gen3 chassis will hold three sets - or three "double wide channels". In order to operate at optimum efficiency, a fully differential amplifier requires somewhat different rail voltages than an unbalanced channel. Because of this, while the actual chassis will be the same, the chassis for the double-wide modules will require a slightly different version of the power supply, which operates at a different voltage. Therefore, because this chassis has a different power supply, you will be able to load it with one, two, or three of the double-wide modules, but you will not be able to put either of the other types of modules in the same chassis. (If you really wanted, the chassis could be built with one amplifier as a true monoblock, but the power supply is actually capable of running three modules.) 4) Each chassis is equipped to support a single power supply. While the version of our power supply customized for the double-wide modules is very powerful, and can deliver really great performance from up to three modules, for those who want the absolute best performance possible, and for whom budget and space constraints aren't a major concern, monoblocks still provide the absolute ultimate in performance. An XPA Gen3 monoblock consists of an XPA Gen3 chassis housing a single fully balanced, fully differential, dual-wide amplifier channel, with its own dedicated power supply.... A set of these monoblocks will get you the absolute best sound quality we're capable of delivering in an amplifier - we promise you WILL be very impressed. Nick, I haven't kept up with all the XPA Gen3 conversations but my understanding is that currently all blades share a single power supply. That's why there are different output levels per channel for all channels driven, based on the number of blades configured. I thought I had read that at some point Emotiva will be offering this amp with mono block blades wherein each blade will have its own power supply and they will not use a shared power supply, much like the IPS-1. Are the double-wide modules and the mono block blades that I'm referring to one and the same? Or am I horribly confused about all this?  can you really say the double wide mono block will exceed the performance of your XPA-1? both in power, noise, and finesse? this is an honest question, not a challenge. |
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KeithL
Administrator 
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Post by KeithL on Dec 2, 2016 11:50:47 GMT -5
The plan has gone through several iterations.
HERE IS THE CURRENT SITUATION WITH XPA Gen3 MODULES.....
1) Our XPA Gen3 amplifier chassis is currently available with anywhere between two and seven single-channel modules. 2) That option will soon be joined by a new dual channel module. Each of these modules will house two channels, each lower in power than the current channel modules. These use the same power supply as the current channel modules, and you will be able to "mix and match" them in the same chassis. One option will be to put seven dual-channel modules in a single chassis for a total of fourteen channels. Another option will be to install several single channel modules for your main channels, and several dual-channel modules for your surround channels. Of course, you can also use the lower powered channels to run speakers in other zones, or to bi-amp or tri-amp some speakers. 3) We will also be introducing a fully differential XPA Gen3 amplifier module. These are the "double-wide monoblock" channels you've heard rumors about. Massive power and ultimate finesse. Each fully differential, fully balanced, channel will consist of a pair of specially designed modules - linked together. (As with all fully balanced amps, they will be operating as a balanced bridge.) Each of these modules occupies two module slots, so the XPA Gen3 chassis will hold three sets - or three "double wide channels". In order to operate at optimum efficiency, a fully differential amplifier requires somewhat different rail voltages than an unbalanced channel. Because of this, while the actual chassis will be the same, the chassis for the double-wide modules will require a slightly different version of the power supply, which operates at a different voltage. Therefore, because this chassis has a different power supply, you will be able to load it with one, two, or three of the double-wide modules, but you will not be able to put either of the other types of modules in the same chassis. (If you really wanted, the chassis could be built with one amplifier as a true monoblock, but the power supply is actually capable of running three modules.) 4) Each chassis is equipped to support a single power supply. While the version of our power supply customized for the double-wide modules is very powerful, and can deliver really great performance from up to three modules, for those who want the absolute best performance possible, and for whom budget and space constraints aren't a major concern, monoblocks still provide the absolute ultimate in performance. An XPA Gen3 monoblock consists of an XPA Gen3 chassis housing a single fully balanced, fully differential, dual-wide amplifier channel, with its own dedicated power supply.... A set of these monoblocks will get you the absolute best sound quality we're capable of delivering in an amplifier - we promise you WILL be very impressed. can you really say the double wide mono block will exceed the performance of your XPA-1? both in power, noise, and finesse? this is an honest question, not a challenge. In terms of power, and most basic specs, the new balanced differential amplifier module will be very similar to the XPA-1 Gen2. The amplifier circuitry is the same as we used in the XPR series - and uses a Class A/B output stage fed by a Class H power supply topology. The power supply will be our new heavy-duty SMPS (so the amp itself will physically be much lighter and a little bit more efficient). Therefore, you can expect subtle differences in sonic signature that some people will probably prefer. (We consider the new module to sound a little bit better, but the difference is going to be subtle) |
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Post by Casey Leedom on Dec 2, 2016 13:00:46 GMT -5
And anyone want to offer a comparison with the venerable MPS-1?
Casey
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Post by garbulky on Dec 2, 2016 13:20:37 GMT -5
can you really say the double wide mono block will exceed the performance of your XPA-1? both in power, noise, and finesse? this is an honest question, not a challenge. In terms of power, and most basic specs, the new balanced differential amplifier module will be very similar to the XPA-1 Gen2. Any input on class A and capacitance? |
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Post by Dan Laufman on Dec 2, 2016 17:55:34 GMT -5
Power supply capacitance does not have the same meaning in a switch-mode power supply as it does in a conventional 60Hz transformer based power supply.
The main filter capacitors in the XPA G3 amplifiers are being recharged 50,000 times per second, vs. 60... so you do not need large value filter to have equal or better power reserves.
The entire front end of the XPA G3 amplifier is operating in Class A mode. The differential pairs, the level shifters, etc. The power stage is biased Class AB in order to improve efficiency and minimize quiescent power losses.
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Post by Casey Leedom on Dec 2, 2016 18:00:45 GMT -5
So Dan, since you were part of the MPS-1 team, how would you compare that against the new XPA Gen3?
Casey
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Post by rsg_1 on Dec 29, 2016 15:01:16 GMT -5
I just ordered the XPA Gen3 with 3-channels. I have a question about the SNR and crosstalk. Looking at the Secrets of HT review, it seems an SNR of 91dB is used, whereas the User Manual stated 86 dB (ref. 1W). Have actual bench tests been done to determine SNR? Also, I have not seen any crosstalk specification? Has that been measured between channels for all channels driven on an XPA Gen3 7-channel amp?
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Post by vneal on Dec 29, 2016 15:05:19 GMT -5
Bring on the Gen 3 Mono amps
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Post by audiosyndrome on Dec 29, 2016 17:22:34 GMT -5
Keith thanks for all the info, though at this point it seems a bit confusing to say the least. Regardless can you tell us what the power output of these newer mono blocs will be? When will they be ready for market? And roughly what is the cost of each? Nothing we will hold you to for now just trying to get a feel for whats coming down the pike. Thanks I thought Keith's explanation was very clear. Russ |
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Post by Boomzilla on Dec 30, 2016 9:31:51 GMT -5
Hi Dan -
My only comment is that February is still a LOOOOONG ways away! (sigh)
Thanks for the update & Happy New Year.
Boom
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Post by rsg_1 on Dec 30, 2016 15:53:52 GMT -5
Can anyone answer my earlier question about actual measured SNR at 1W reference vs. what was quoted on the "Secrets" review vs. the on-line User's Manual for the XPA Gen3?
I'm curious how the XPA Gen3 would compare to other amps.
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Post by Jim on Dec 30, 2016 15:56:40 GMT -5
Can anyone answer my earlier question about actual measured SNR at 1W reference vs. what was quoted on the "Secrets" review vs. the on-line User's Manual for the XPA Gen3? I'm curious how the XPA Gen3 would compare to other amps. You'll probably need to call or email Emotiva to ask. Unfortunately I don't think we really have that kind of insight. I'm always curious about discrepancies like that. Some test data is here: www.emotiva.com/resources/XPA_GEN3_AP.pdfLooks like 91db SNR at 1W according to the Audio Precision test data. |
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Post by Bonedaddy on Jun 16, 2017 9:02:20 GMT -5
We wait in Germany ...and ...wait ..and...wait...We are waiting for the monos !!!..2017..2018...2019  |
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Post by pedrocols on Jun 16, 2017 11:50:05 GMT -5
We wait in Germany ...and ...wait ..and...wait...We are waiting for the monos !!!..2017..2018...2019 Year of release was not disclosed...😴 |
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