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Post by pachieh on Feb 8, 2018 21:50:59 GMT -5
My DR-3 arrived today, replacing 3 x XPA-1 GEN 2s for my L/C/R setup of Aerial Acoustics 6T and 7CC. Initial thoughts only after an hour of listening... 1) It feels more accurate and tight than the XPA-1s. 2) Not as warm/full as the XPA-1 in Class A, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. 3) Binding posts feel like they are twice the size of the XPA-1s! 4) User definable triggers would be REALLY cool. So if I'm only doing 2-channel listening, then only L/R get power. But if a second trigger happens from my AVR, then L/C/R all get power. Not a huge deal, just don't need the center powered during 2-channel listening. 5) Sooooo much lighter! 6) Don't be afraid, it comes in an XPA GEN 3 box, just look for the little differential reference sticker on the bottom left of the front face. 7) Power cable feels dainty compared to the XPA-1s. It's also only two prong. More thoughts to come in a few days after I use it more. Attachment DeletedAttachment DeletedAttachment Deleted |
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Post by Casey Leedom on Feb 8, 2018 22:26:03 GMT -5
How's it's Bass Control?
Casey
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Post by socketman on Feb 8, 2018 22:46:28 GMT -5
Cool beans
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Post by davidl81 on Feb 9, 2018 0:35:20 GMT -5
My DR-3 arrived today, replacing 3 x XPA-1 GEN 2s for my L/C/R setup of Aerial Acoustics 6T and 7CC. Initial thoughts only after an hour of listening... 1) It feels more accurate and tight than the XPA-1s. 2) Not as warm/full as the XPA-1 in Class A, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. 3) Binding posts feel like they are twice the size of the XPA-1s! 4) User definable triggers would be REALLY cool. So if I'm only doing 2-channel listening, then only L/R get power. But if a second trigger happens from my AVR, then L/C/R all get power. Not a huge deal, just don't need the center powered during 2-channel listening. 5) Sooooo much lighter! 6) Don't be afraid, it comes in an XPA GEN 3 box, just look for the little differential reference sticker on the bottom left of the front face. 7) Power cable feels dainty compared to the XPA-1s. It's also only two prong. More thoughts to come in a few days after I use it more. I am very curious to know how you like it compared to the XPA-1's. I have an XPA-2 right now powering my OMD-28's and I have been looking to buy a pair of XPA-1's. I have also considered the DR-2 since it would save a little shelf space. Just curious what was your main reason to go from the Triple XPA-1 setup to a DR-3? |
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Post by pachieh on Feb 9, 2018 6:36:16 GMT -5
Bass seems tighter, more accurate, but not quite as full, just my initial impression.
I moved away from the 3 x XPA-1 for three reasons.
1) I am starting to move a lot in the military, moving those things every 2-3 years will be annoying.
2) I don't need all that power. I'd argue that 95% of us don't need that amount of power. I bought them originally because of the Class A portion.
3) These are very similar to the XPRs which are pretty legendary for sound quality/accuracy. Not saying I needed an upgrade, but it is a nice side benefit as I "downscaled."
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Post by mack71 on Feb 9, 2018 7:41:33 GMT -5
Bass seems tighter, more accurate, but not quite as full, just my initial impression. I moved away from the 3 x XPA-1 for three reasons. 1) I am starting to move a lot in the military, moving those things every 2-3 years will be annoying. 2) I don't need all that power. I'd argue that 95% of us don't need that amount of power. I bought them originally because of the Class A portion. 3) These are very similar to the XPRs which are pretty legendary for sound quality/accuracy. Not saying I needed an upgrade, but it is a nice side benefit as I "downscaled." And what can you say about diameter and treble compared to xpa1 gen2? Thanks |
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Post by garbulky on Feb 9, 2018 10:54:08 GMT -5
Bass seems tighter, more accurate, but not quite as full, just my initial impression. I moved away from the 3 x XPA-1 for three reasons. 1) I am starting to move a lot in the military, moving those things every 2-3 years will be annoying. 2) I don't need all that power. I'd argue that 95% of us don't need that amount of power. I bought them originally because of the Class A portion. 3) These are very similar to the XPRs which are pretty legendary for sound quality/accuracy. Not saying I needed an upgrade, but it is a nice side benefit as I "downscaled." And what can you say about diameter and treble compared to xpa1 gen2? Thanks What do you mean diameter? |
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Post by mack71 on Feb 9, 2018 11:08:22 GMT -5
And what can you say about diameter and treble compared to xpa1 gen2? Thanks What do you mean diameter? I'm sorry;) I meant middle tones |
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Post by pachieh on Feb 10, 2018 18:50:45 GMT -5
I think it's more accurate personally, but not quite as full as the XPA-1s.
Keep in mind, Class A function can provide a very nice full bodied sound, that's why I keep saying this just isn't as full across the spectrum (yet) to my ears. I think it'll get there with a little bit of break-in.
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Post by pachieh on Feb 13, 2018 14:18:34 GMT -5
Be aware... I mentioned at the top that the binding posts are much bigger than the XPA-1s.
I have a set of custom home-brew Transparent Audio speaker cables with Cardas CCMS R XL spades. I can't use them right now as the spade opening doesn't fit onto the binding posts (probably 1mm too small for the spades). They have a 0.255" opening on the spade. I did not have this issue on my XPA-1s.
I'm looking to see if I can find a way to either spread or grind them out a touch so they'll fit. But, they have a beautiful rhodium finish on them and I'd rather not destroy that...
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Post by mack71 on Feb 13, 2018 15:01:47 GMT -5
Be aware... I mentioned at the top that the binding posts are much bigger than the XPA-1s. I have a set of custom home-brew Transparent Audio speaker cables with Cardas CCMS R XL spades. I can't use them right now as the spade opening doesn't fit onto the binding posts (probably 1mm too small for the spades). They have a 0.255" opening on the spade. I did not have this issue on my XPA-1s. I'm looking to see if I can find a way to either spread or grind them out a touch so they'll fit. But, they have a beautiful rhodium finish on them and I'd rather not destroy that... I once had the same problem when I had the cable Cardas Golden Ref. and Xpr1. I gently widened the spades using pliers. IMHO Cardas has definitely better bananas. I think I will try two DR1 and I will see for myself what are the differences. |
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