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Post by tweaknkeep on Mar 5, 2017 10:34:11 GMT -5
I'm getting great results driving KEF LS/50 monitors with the XPA-1L monoblocks, and supporting the system with 2 SVS SB-2000 subs.
I've done some simple mods on the 1ls such as upgrade the fuses and the speaker binding posts. Each time I hear an improvement. I'm thinking of upgrading the
iec AC inlets with Furutech rhodium plated ones.
Has anyone else modded their XPA-1Ls? What mods have been worthwhile?
Jay
Norwalk, CT
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Post by Porscheguy on Mar 5, 2017 11:48:32 GMT -5
I can't speak for anyone else, but I'm sure most people here leave the amp design to Emotiva. Mine sound superb right out of the box....
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Post by tweaknkeep on Mar 5, 2017 11:56:07 GMT -5
Hi Porscheguy,
No, I agree, I would not change the amp design. I would just upgrade some internal parts such as speaker binding posts. That's what I'm asking about. It does make a difference.
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Post by Gary Cook on Mar 5, 2017 19:06:12 GMT -5
What's wrong with the XPA-1L speaker binding posts? I have a pair of Emotiva speaker cables connected to mine, via insertion from the side, then tighten the locking knob. Very secure, quite neat, takes up a lot less space behind the amp than a direct (90 degree) inserted plug. No measurable resistance, impedance or capacitance. So I'm not sure how I could improve it, hence the question?
Cheers
Gary
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klinemj
Emo VIPs 
Official Emofest Scribe
Posts: 15,090
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Post by klinemj on Mar 5, 2017 19:12:18 GMT -5
Hi Porscheguy, No, I agree, I would not change the amp design. I would just upgrade some internal parts such as speaker binding posts. That's what I'm asking about. It does make a difference. So...what would you use to determine the new parts are "upgraded" vs. the stock parts? I can understand you can change them? But what...in terms of measures...makes them "upgraded"? Mark |
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Post by leonski on Mar 5, 2017 21:42:06 GMT -5
A simple power cord upgrade might also yield results. And NOT something that costs a bundle, either. Maybe the 14ga Pangea? The Stock cord might even be 16ga? That wouldn't surprise me one bit. www.audioadvisor.com/mobile/prodinfo.asp?number=PGAC14&opt=2088You can also DIY a cord using Belden #19364 which is a terrific value. The 'can you measure it' guys are having a field day with this, but if YOU think it helps, who can possibly argue? I rather doubt that EMO does listening tests to find the best binding posts, fuses or other stuff which is commodity in nature. Some manufacturers might pay attention to this stuff but at much higher price points. |
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Post by vcautokid on Mar 5, 2017 23:58:57 GMT -5
A decent well made AC power cable will not hurt anyone's feelings. Just try to explain that 2 cents per foot of Romex behind the wall has got me though. A Fuse? Hmmmm, must be something I am missing there. Just saying. Also be careful of Mods. If you have warranty left on your Emotiva component, mods could void your warranty. I am sure someone else might chime in there. In the meantime, hope the movies, and music are always playing.
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Post by leonski on Mar 6, 2017 2:26:11 GMT -5
I get it but am just trying to help the OP who noted a difference with some changes made. Who am I to judge this sort of thing?
Me? If I spent 40$ on a FUSE, I'd expect something awful to happen to me. However, on my panels, simplifying the wiring is said by most to help the sound. This would mean
removing 6 or 8 connections PER speaker while removing the fuse, holder, and some other excess wiring.
I think power amps of the high-power type probably come Under Corded. I think most EMO stuff is no exception and for many of 'em, an upgrade to the 14ga Pangea would be money well spent.
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Post by vcautokid on Mar 6, 2017 7:16:38 GMT -5
If you are talking about the gauge of wiring, I think I am with you, but after that, most will lose me. However, this hobby of ours says, hey why not? If it works for you. Uh, more power to you. I am just saying most won't need to spend a fortune to get the AC cable that will do the job. Of course, your mileage may vary.
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Post by Boomzilla on Mar 6, 2017 7:24:39 GMT -5
"Upgrades" don't have to be exclusively about sound. Once upgraded, the owner no longer has a "stock" component, but a unique one - AND one that the owner has modified himself. Not unlike putting a custom shift lever on your car. The car's performance isn't actually improved, but every time the owner drives the car, he gets the pleasure of enjoying the lever that he, himself installed.
A gentleman that used to frequent the Lounge was an artist at heart and modified the face-plates of his Emotiva amplifiers. The results made his amps unique and he had the satisfaction of knowing that he had crafted the changes.
Changing power cords, input connectors, fuses, etc. certainly can't degrade the performance (or void the warranty) of the amplifiers, and the owner has the satisfaction of knowing that his creation is unique.
Go for the gusto!
PS: I change all the ugly black "cheeks" on my Emotiva gear to the (to me, more aesthetic) silver ones. So I guess I'm a "modder" too...
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Post by leonski on Mar 7, 2017 1:05:57 GMT -5
Visual Mods? Have At! Make 'em custom. Make 'em look Good.
External Electrical mods? Easy, fairly inexpensvie and can return a lot of bang-4-buck. Mostly easily reversible, too. Like power cords and fuses.
Tube guys practice 'tube rolling' and I've run several different OPAMPS in my DIY CMOY headphone amp.
INTERNAL mods, like capacitors, internal speaker wiring, and other non-easily reversible changes may or may not help, only the owner can say for sure.
But for CERTAIN, resale value is impacted and usually not for the better. Some modders get Big Bucks to go over an amp or preamp, but it is for a specific
customer. Buying one stone-cold? Not for every taste.
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Post by Boomzilla on Mar 7, 2017 12:19:43 GMT -5
OTOH, "internal" mods can often provide HEUUUUGE (apologies to President Trump) improvements for "pro" gear that was built primarily for durability - not sound quality.
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Post by 0anselm1 on Apr 4, 2017 20:14:22 GMT -5
A decent well made AC power cable will not hurt anyone's feelings. Just try to explain that 2 cents per foot of Romex behind the wall has got me though. A Fuse? Hmmmm, must be something I am missing there. Just saying. Also be careful of Mods. If you have warranty left on your Emotiva component, mods could void your warranty. I am sure someone else might chime in there. In the meantime, hope the movies, and music are always playing. I'm using a pair of xpa 1ls with a pair of Magnepan 1.7 and one Hsu uls 15 mk 2 sub. It's startling sometimes when Kiri Te Kanawa steps out of the speakers and sings just for me. This presence came about when I added Audioquest NRG 4 power cords.ICs are Audioquest Mackenzie. I think the amps also sound significantly better up on three BDR 4 cones. |
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Post by leonski on Apr 22, 2017 2:09:56 GMT -5
A decent well made AC power cable will not hurt anyone's feelings. Just try to explain that 2 cents per foot of Romex behind the wall has got me though. A Fuse? Hmmmm, must be something I am missing there. Just saying. Also be careful of Mods. If you have warranty left on your Emotiva component, mods could void your warranty. I am sure someone else might chime in there. In the meantime, hope the movies, and music are always playing. I'm using a pair of xpa 1ls with a pair of Magnepan 1.7 and one Hsu uls 15 mk 2 sub. It's startling sometimes when Kiri Te Kanawa steps out of the speakers and sings just for me. This presence came about when I added Audioquest NRG 4 power cords.ICs are Audioquest Mackenzie. I think the amps also sound significantly better up on three BDR 4 cones. Look up Magnestand for a REFRAMED Maggie, getting rid of all that awful MDF and replacing it with the hardwood of your choice. I've heard some MMG and a the 1.6 modded in this fashion and the help is pretty good. Magnestand also comes with a completely reworked crossover, which is part of the 'formula'. This is not a cheap mod, but brings the appearance of your panels to a whole-new level. Workmanship is first rate. Some users report huge improvements with MYE stands. I'm not a fan of metal stands, but these are well regarded, with bulletproof construction. see link www.myesound.com |
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fmzip
Minor Hero
Posts: 85 
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Post by fmzip on Jul 12, 2019 10:54:22 GMT -5
I'm getting great results driving KEF LS/50 monitors with the XPA-1L monoblocks, and supporting the system with 2 SVS SB-2000 subs. I've done some simple mods on the 1ls such as upgrade the fuses and the speaker binding posts. Each time I hear an improvement. I'm thinking of upgrading the iec AC inlets with Furutech rhodium plated ones. Has anyone else modded their XPA-1Ls? What mods have been worthwhile? Jay Norwalk, CT Curious, what mod/fuses did you use on your amp? |
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Post by leonski on Aug 9, 2019 15:22:26 GMT -5
keep in mind that most internal mods, like caps and perhaps film resistors can DETRACT from resale value.
Design changes are IFFY at best, from an investiment standpoint.
Mods, even 'commercial' versions have an awful return on investment.
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Post by fritz on Aug 10, 2019 21:45:21 GMT -5
I cant and wont speak for anyone else. But I certainly don't purchase any audio/video equipment as an investment.
Any and all Mods I do to my equipment is solely for my own satisfaction. Whether its an improvement or not. Just my opinion.
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Post by leonski on Aug 13, 2019 16:51:33 GMT -5
That maybe the healthiest way to approach electronic mods.
Others swear by the purchase of ONLY pre-loved equipment, figuring that they won't take the 'purchased new' hit.
The downside of mods on HT gear is that the market regularlly churns and that something even a few years old is by some standards, Obsolete.
So if you buy something and 'mod to taste', you might be into it again sooner than you'd like.
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