robpar
Seeker Of Truth
Posts: 3 
|
Post by robpar on Oct 28, 2017 13:00:16 GMT -5
Hello I thought I would post my thoughts on this amp. I have been comparing the XPA-2 to the Parasound 2250 v2. I've got both amps for two weeks now, they are being driven by a NAD C375BEE using the pre outs. The new amps are driving a pair of Polk RTi-12's. The NAD drives a pair of ceiling speakers. The system is for MUSIC ONLY I received the XPA a couple of days before the Parasound, so I was very anxious to hear it. BTW great packaging and easy to handle box; makes you feel very special !!  XPA-2: The first listen was like, WOW... but then I thought maybe... its "the placebo effect"... so I kept listening for a couple of more days and then switched back to the NAD and then to the Parasound when it arrived. I played the same songs over and over, same volume level, switching back and forth between the two amps The XPA sounds powerful (very strong bass, slap on your face kind) but a little too "dry" or synthetic? Compared to the Parasound which sounds softer, not "in your face" kind. XPA is BIG (I mean huge!), I think it's a waste of space for just two channels, the box is almost empty, so it probably lends itself better to a multi-channel uses (5,7, or more). The XPA is a very good amp but after listening to it and comparing to the Parasound, I will be returning the XPA. I think if I had not compared it to the Parasound, I would've kept the XPA and be happy XPA: 300w/channel; $1000. Parasound: 275w/channel; $999 (sale price) Hope this helps |
|
|
|
Post by garbulky on Oct 28, 2017 13:32:29 GMT -5
Hello I thought I would post my thoughts on this amp. I have been comparing the XPA-2 to the Parasound 2250 v2. I've got both amps for two weeks now, they are being driven by a NAD C375BEE using the pre outs. The new amps are driving a pair of Polk RTi-12's. The NAD drives a pair of ceiling speakers. The system is for MUSIC ONLY I received the XPA a couple of days before the Parasound, so I was very anxious to hear it. BTW great packaging and easy to handle box; makes you feel very special !! XPA-2: The first listen was like, WOW... but then I thought maybe... its "the placebo effect"... so I kept listening for a couple of more days and then switched back to the NAD and then to the Parasound when it arrived. I played the same songs over and over, same volume level, switching back and forth between the two amps The XPA sounds powerful (very strong bass, slap on your face kind) but a little too "dry" or synthetic? Compared to the Parasound which sounds softer, not "in your face" kind. XPA is BIG (I mean huge!), I think it's a waste of space for just two channels, the box is almost empty, so it probably lends itself better to a multi-channel uses (5,7, or more). The XPA is a very good amp but after listening to it and comparing to the Parasound, I will be returning the XPA. I think if I had not compared it to the Parasound, I would've kept the XPA and be happy XPA: 300w/channel; $1000. Parasound: 275w/channel; $999 (sale price) Hope this helps The parasound has one nice thing about it  See that big torroidal tranformer in there? I haven't heard the gen 3 but you may like the xpa-2 gen 2 which I thought was quite good. The XPA-2 gen 2 by coincidence does have a big ol torroidal transformer in there as well. The gen 3 uses a switching supply (which is very powerful) and is the size of a few coins. There's a guy selling one for $750 used right now on the emporium here. You may want to experiment it. The XPA-2's gen 2 box is crammed full. |
|
|
|
Post by Loop 7 on Oct 28, 2017 13:50:20 GMT -5
I've not head the Parasound 2250 v2 but I used to own a Parasound HCA-855a and currently own a Parasound Halo A52 (before the Halo, I was using an XPA-3 Gen 2). My impressions of the Parasound "sound" compared to the Emotiva sound are similar to yours. The Parasound I own is really smooth. It doesn't sound as awesome as a good tube amp but it's full of detail without a bit of that dryness you mentioned. In fact, that dry sound prompted the Parasound purchase. The Parasound is ridiculously heavy, too long for many racks and gets really warm whereas the new Emotiva flagship amps stay cool and don't weigh a ton so there are major trade-offs. Parasound A52 internal:  |
|
|
|
Post by Cogito on Oct 28, 2017 13:54:45 GMT -5
The Parasound amps are actually quite nice and well built, but two BIG advantages of the XPA-2 Gen. 3 is that you can add additional channels if your system's needs grow and Emotiva has a 5 year transferable warranty compared to Parasound's 2 year NON-transferable warranty.
|
|
|
|
Post by Loop 7 on Oct 28, 2017 14:01:18 GMT -5
The Parasound amps are actually quite nice and well built, but two BIG advantages of the XPA-2 Gen. 3 is that you can add additional channels if your system's needs grow and Emotiva has a 5 year transferable warranty compared to Parasound's 2 year NON-transferable warranty. Good points. I don't believe any Parasound products to date are modular in any way. Emotiva has a substantial market advantage with the new line of expandable amps, especially when it comes to those who may expand to Atmos. My Halo came with a 5 year warranty but, as you noted, non-transferrable. |
|
|
|
Post by Cogito on Oct 28, 2017 14:06:47 GMT -5
I've not head the Parasound 2250 v2 but I used to own a Parasound HCA-855a and currently own a Parasound Halo A52 (before the Halo, I was using an XPA-3 Gen 2). My impressions of the Parasound "sound" compared to the Emotiva sound are similar to your. The Parasound I own is really smooth. It doesn't sound as awesome as a good tube amp but it's full of detail without a bit of that dryness you mentioned. In fact, that dry sound prompted the Parasound purchase. The Parasound is ridiculously heavy, too long for many racks and gets really warm whereas the new Emotiva flagship amps stay cool and don't weigh a ton so there are major trade-offs. Parasound A52 internal: Nice looking internals. However, I don't think they have anything over the ol' XPA-2 Gen. 2 amp. In fact, the Parasound amp looks a bit "messy".   |
|
|
|
Post by Loop 7 on Oct 28, 2017 14:15:23 GMT -5
Parasound A52 internal: Nice looking internals. However, I don't think they have anything over the ol' XPA-2 Gen. 2 amp. In fact, the Parasound amp looks a bit "messy". But you have to dig Parasound's transformer casing/isolator. |
|
|
|
Post by amped on Oct 28, 2017 14:41:17 GMT -5
Sorry fellas...It is no contest here for sound quality. However, Flexibility goes to Emo.
The XPA-2 Gen2 was far more of a competitor to amps like the Parasound, NAD and Rotel et al.. |
|
|
|
Post by garbulky on Oct 28, 2017 14:46:51 GMT -5
Sorry fellas...It is no contest here for sound quality. However, Flexibility goes to Emo.
The XPA-2 Gen2 was far more of a competitor to amps like the Parasound, NAD and Rotel et al.. Which one would you pick for sound quality? The Parasound? If Emotiva, which gen amp? |
|
|
|
Post by wilburthegoose on Oct 28, 2017 15:14:19 GMT -5
I prefer my Parasound A21 to the XPA-5 Gen 2. But I do like the XPA-5 enough that it's still running my center, surrounds, and rears  |
|
|
|
Post by sahmen on Oct 28, 2017 15:42:34 GMT -5
I really wish someone would compare the Parasound Halo A21 to either 2 XPA-1 Gen 2s or to an SA-250 in performance and SQ. I have seen many A21 and XPA-2 Gen 1/2 comparisons, but where is the fairness in that, given the delta in price points?
I have been interested in an A21 vs XPA-1 Gen 2 comparison for stereo music, because I have been wondering for a while now whether I should consider an A21 2 channel rig for music or not... (My Emo amps are great enough for HT movie purposes, as I am sure everyone would agree)
Also why aren't people mentioning the impact of DACs in these comparisons? In evaluating sound characteristics like, "dryness," "warmness," "smoothness," or "brightness," shouldn't one take the influence of attached DACs into account? Incidentally, qualities such as "smoothness," brightness," "organic," "artificial," not to mention "digital," and "organic," also come up in comparative discussions of DACs, especially, in recent comparisons of Sabre-chipped, multibit, and NOS Dacs. If Dacs do affect sound quality so profoundly, why does one discuss and compare the sounds of different amps in isolation, as if they operate in DAC-less isolation?
|
|
|
|
Post by garbulky on Oct 28, 2017 15:45:11 GMT -5
I really wish someone would compare the Parasound Halo A21 to either 2 XPA-1 Gen 2s or to an SA-250 in performance and SQ. I have seen many A21 and XPA-2 Gen 1/2 comparisons, but where is the fairness in that, given the delta in price points? I have been interested in an A21 vs XPA-1 Gen 2 comparison for stereo music, because I have been wondering for a while now whether I should consider an A21 2 channel rig for music or not... (My Emo amps are great enough for HT movie purposes, as I am sure everyone would agree) Also why aren't people mentioning the impact of DACs in these comparisons? In evaluating sound characteristics like, "dryness," "warmness," "smoothness," or "brightness," shouldn't one take the influence of attached DACs into account? Incidentally, qualities such as "smoothness," brightness," "organic," "artificial," not to mention "digital," and "organic," also come up in comparative discussions of DACs, especially, in recent comparisons of Sabre-chipped, multibit, and NOS Dacs. If Dacs do affect sound quality so profoundly, why does one discuss and compare the sounds of different amps in isolation, as if they operate in DAC-less isolation? Here's a comparison to a Schiit Vidar. I must say I'm surprised. |
|
|
|
Post by Cogito on Oct 28, 2017 15:54:50 GMT -5
The Parasound amps are actually quite nice and well built, but two BIG advantages of the XPA-2 Gen. 3 is that you can add additional channels if your system's needs grow and Emotiva has a 5 year transferable warranty compared to Parasound's 2 year NON-transferable warranty. Good points. I don't believe any Parasound products to date are modular in any way. Emotiva has a substantial market advantage with the new line of expandable amps, especially when it comes to those who may expand to Atmos. My Halo came with a 5 year warranty but, as you noted, non-transferrable. It's two years for the "New Classic" (Model 2250 v2) line that the OP mentioned. Also, the Halo warranty is only 2 years for moving parts, displays, lasers, remote controls, etc. I don't believe Emotiva has such limitaions on the "X" series. |
|
robpar
Seeker Of Truth
Posts: 3
|
Post by robpar on Oct 29, 2017 9:29:42 GMT -5
Good points. I don't believe any Parasound products to date are modular in any way. Emotiva has a substantial market advantage with the new line of expandable amps, especially when it comes to those who may expand to Atmos. My Halo came with a 5 year warranty but, as you noted, non-transferrable. It's two years for the "New Classic" (Model 2250 v2) line that the OP mentioned. Also, the Halo warranty is only 2 years for moving parts, displays, lasers, remote controls, etc. I don't believe Emotiva has such limitaions on the "X" series. Emotiva has a better warranty, but my thought is that if anything is going to go wrong it's probably gonna happen in the first few months. I wish Emotiva would not have discontinued their gen2 amps. I would've liked to compare it to the Parasound... As far as expansion, my concern was purely for stereo music. I will have a separate dedicated system for movies and will look at Emotiva but also Monolith which has gotten very good reviews, modular and similar pricing. |
|
|
|
Post by Cogito on Oct 29, 2017 11:56:48 GMT -5
It's two years for the "New Classic" (Model 2250 v2) line that the OP mentioned. Also, the Halo warranty is only 2 years for moving parts, displays, lasers, remote controls, etc. I don't believe Emotiva has such limitaions on the "X" series. Emotiva has a better warranty, but my thought is that if anything is going to go wrong it's probably gonna happen in the first few months. I wish Emotiva would not have discontinued their gen2 amps. I would've liked to compare it to the Parasound... As far as expansion, my concern was purely for stereo music. I will have a separate dedicated system for movies and will look at Emotiva but also Monolith which has gotten very good reviews, modular and similar pricing. Well, I don't think you can really go wrong with the Parasound stuff. In fact, the Parasound 2250 V2 was on my short list of gear when I decided to go with Emotiva. There's something very satisfying about a stereo amp that weighs in at more than 70 lbs. |
|
robpar
Seeker Of Truth
Posts: 3
|
Post by robpar on Oct 29, 2017 14:24:53 GMT -5
Emotiva has a better warranty, but my thought is that if anything is going to go wrong it's probably gonna happen in the first few months. I wish Emotiva would not have discontinued their gen2 amps. I would've liked to compare it to the Parasound... As far as expansion, my concern was purely for stereo music. I will have a separate dedicated system for movies and will look at Emotiva but also Monolith which has gotten very good reviews, modular and similar pricing. Well, I don't think you can really go wrong with the Parasound stuff. In fact, the Parasound 2250 V2 was on my short list of gear when I decided to go with Emotiva. There's something very satisfying about a stereo amp that weighs in at more than 70 lbs. You got that right... it's nice looking and very heavy. Also, due to my background in industrial design, I liked the looks of the Parasound better (but that's not really relevant in terms of performance). I also liked the high pass filter and the ability to daisy chain (loop inputs); it didn't hurt that it was on sale for the same price as the XPA  I wish I had bought Emotiva when the pricing was better. I think those who bought the earlier, less expensive stuff, got a great deal; not so much with newer stuff and the more expanded choices out there today. My next quest is for floor towers (will move the Polks to the basement) |
|
|
|
Post by Loop 7 on Oct 29, 2017 15:18:36 GMT -5
Parasound is still more expensive than Emotiva's flagship products but many Parasound owners, myself included, claim the build quality is second to none. 20 yr old Parasound amps in working condition are very common.
|
|
|
|
Post by leonski on Oct 29, 2017 19:22:50 GMT -5
Parasound is surprisingly good stuff. I have a PAIR of the A23 power amps and the P5 pre. Fast, accurate sound. The Bass Management of the pre and the DAC section all are good additions to a stereo preamp.
Headphone output comes in handy late at night so I don't disturb sleepers. Switchable tone controls, too. I run ONE cable to each amp and use the loop out to daisy chain to the other input. That way I don't need
splitters and save maybe a few connections? Each amp is parked behind a speaker and as a result, speaker cable is now down to about 3 FEET (times 2) for each speaker.
I low cut the main speakers and feed the sub the full-range signal, using the crossover on the sub since it is a 24db/octave and the preamp is 'only' 12db/octiave.
From our FWIW department? the top-tier JC-1 Monos are used by Stereophile's John Atkinson as his 'reference' amp.
And I have confidence that if I sent a note off to Richard Schram, the owner, he'd get back to me within hours.
|
|
