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Post by milt99 on Jul 6, 2018 13:55:39 GMT -5
XPA-1 News, anyone? Counterpoint? Milt99? Got them up and running yet? Am having delivery today and will post over the weekend. Delivery is scheduled for Monday, July 9th. I live near Seattle so I'm a long ways from Emotiva. |
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Post by teaman on Jul 6, 2018 14:37:03 GMT -5
My buddy Ryan just received his XPA-1 on Tuesday and has already fallen in love with them!
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Post by craigl59 on Jul 6, 2018 21:59:22 GMT -5
My pair of XPA-1s came this afternoon and I hooked them up -- replacing the XPA-1Ls that have been used for 3 years.
Then spent an hour listening to my usual test files, both popular and classical.
At some point, it became entirely clear that buying 2 of these was a BIG MISTAKE.
Should have bought AT LEAST FOUR. Biamping, of course (LOL)...
There is a big improvement in transparency/air/dynamic range/soundstage independence/timbral accuracy, and more. Always liked the XPA-1Ls but they are not at all in the same league. The match with Double Impacts is superb, even riveting.
Still can understand Emotiva's decision to abandon these heavy monsters. The UPS guy who delivered them was not a happy camper. And they are big, hot and complex.
Still(2) they represent the older concepts of quality, weight, and expense as being necessary for excellence. Would love to hear a 2 pound Class D amp sound this good...
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Post by leonski on Jul 7, 2018 1:09:36 GMT -5
You DO have them plugged into at least a 20 amp service, right?
If you are still serious about biamp (I don't see it, and don't know your speakers) than depending on crossover chosen, the XPA 1L could go on 'top' or 'beneath' the XPA-1.
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Post by craigl59 on Jul 7, 2018 1:47:33 GMT -5
leonski:
Just Kidding about the biamping. No don't have them on a 20 amp circuit, they're plugged into a Furman Elite 15 that has the extra capacitance stored up for short power bursts. Works great.
Would not biamp the Double Impacts but the Ulfberhts come with multiple biamp speaker connectors. They might benefit -- but I am unsure about how two different amps would "play together" as regards dynamic and speed control. Perhaps the gentleman on this thread that is biamping with this combination can tell us.
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Post by leonski on Jul 7, 2018 12:19:06 GMT -5
Furmann is trying to address the 'problem' which many persons have (me included) with a power conditioner, even one with 'high power' outlets. That is the problem of the condiditoner 'sucking the life' out of your amp. And is why, even though I have
a very $$ Panamax, I STILL ran a dedicated circuit for my amps. My sub seems content thru a HighPower outlet. Demands on that piece are within reason.
Saying they have '45 amps of current' at your disposal or however they phrase it, doesn't do you really much good. You'll get 1 such burst of 1 or 2 'cycles' of your 60hz power before exhaustion. And It won't have time to recharge.
I'm a HUGE fan of enough power for high-power amps. That your pair of amps will NOT run to spec is nearly beside the point. You have 2x1200va of Power Transfromer at an unknown power factor (PF). And 1800va from a 15amp line, short time period rating.
The other factor to consider would be an upgraded Power Cord. And not some Mega$$ piece. Something on the order of the Pangea SE14 would better the stock cord, which I'm betting is NOT a 12ga item. Might be 14ga and could be even 16, though the last is
a 'doubt it' proposition.
The REAL benefit of biamp is when you GUT the speaker crossover and connect the various drivers directly to an amp and cross-over at the Line Level, before the signal gets to the amp. Depending on crossover frequencies and such, you could gain as much
as 3db apparent power which would be like DOUBLING your new amp power. The problem with 'passive' biamp is that each amp STILL swings the full voltage required of the signal.
Feed your amps. They'll thank you mucho
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Post by craigl59 on Jul 7, 2018 12:35:37 GMT -5
Great information, leonski. Again, this is why these boards/threads work and I thank you.
YES, have been using Pangea power cords for all electrical connects for over a year and they help -- quieter and more transparent -- but just a little for me. Get more improvement with quality Belden 1800f balanced interconnects from BlueJeans and buy just the right length for each install.
Will investigate the 20amp issue when all is setup and tuned. This will happen over the weekend and will let you know the result then.
All best,
Craig
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Post by craigl59 on Jul 7, 2018 12:44:06 GMT -5
leonski:
Just to clarify...was kidding about biamping DIs, but am entirely serious about buying another pair of the XPA-1s. Will call Emotiva on Monday to see if they have any extras (know they are sold out) and am willing to entertain offers from interested sellers. The problem is the weight and shipping, right?
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Post by leonski on Jul 7, 2018 14:59:07 GMT -5
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Post by garbulky on Jul 7, 2018 15:15:16 GMT -5
You don't need pallets for the XPA-1. Mine arrived via regular post and the double boxes protect it sufficiently. As long as the double boxes aren't compromised you should be all right. |
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Post by garbulky on Jul 7, 2018 15:17:07 GMT -5
leonski: Just to clarify...was kidding about biamping DIs, but am entirely serious about buying another pair of the XPA-1s. Will call Emotiva on Monday to see if they have any extras (know they are sold out) and am willing to entertain offers from interested sellers. The problem is the weight and shipping, right? That's what I experienced from the XPA-1 L to the XPA-1 gen 2. (I heard four XPA-1 L's quad amped in stereo configuration ). The XPA-1 gen 2 is simply a different animal and I would hands down take it over even the four XPA-1 L's. I thought it would be just more of the XPA-1 L. But it's not. What it really is a better version of the XPA-2 gen 2. Having heard the dissapointing XPA gen 3 single channel amps, I no longer hold hopes for the DR range. Though I could be wrong, the XPA-1 gen 2 will always hold my interest. Too bad it was discontinued. |
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Post by craigl59 on Jul 8, 2018 12:41:53 GMT -5
leonski and garbulky
Got all setup and tuned in REW. The overall sound is splendid.
Three small issues.
1. For some reason, Emotiva sent the manuals (2) for the XPA-7 Gen 2, 7 channel amplifier. Suppose this means they're sending me these next? No, really Dan, no need to be this generous.
2. The amps in their rack have only about 3 inches of clearance on top and, so, they get too hot. I am blowing a fan across the open space and it works but was not able to get one quiet enough. There also seem to be fans that get placed directly on top of the box -- has anyone tried these? With 3 inches, think I might have to go with a tandem set of noiseless side fans if I can find them.
3. leonski: The living room in which all of this is placed is 15 amps. So, there is an advantage to keeping the XPA-1s connected to the Furman to benefit from the noise conditioning and power burst capabilities as it passes 15 amps. Will not be redoing the electricity to 20 amps; it is too much of a project with the cathedral ceiling involved.
Here it is: 
All best,
Craig
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Post by craigl59 on Jul 8, 2018 12:49:12 GMT -5
Forgot to mention that not every family member is impressed with the XPA-1s. The cavalier "Airy" is just not a class A kind of dog; he doses off when the music starts:
well, you can't please them all... |
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Post by novisnick on Jul 8, 2018 13:06:36 GMT -5
leonski and garbulky
Got all setup and tuned in REW. The overall sound is splendid.
Three small issues.
1. For some reason, Emotiva sent the manuals (2) for the XPA-7 Gen 2, 7 channel amplifier. Suppose this means they're sending me these next? No, really Dan, no need to be this generous.
2. The amps in their rack have only about 3 inches of clearance on top and, so, they get too hot. I am blowing a fan across the open space and it works but was not able to get one quiet enough. There also seem to be fans that get placed directly on top of the box -- has anyone tried these? With 3 inches, think I might have to go with a tandem set of noiseless side fans if I can find them.
3. leonski: The living room in which all of this is placed is 15 amps. So, there is an advantage to keeping the XPA-1s connected to the Furman to benefit from the noise conditioning and power burst capabilities as it passes 15 amps. Will not be redoing the electricity to 20 amps; it is too much of a project with the cathedral ceiling involved.
Here it is:
All best,
Craig
Looks great! Should bring you years of enjoyment! 😁🎶🎶 #2 For your hot amps try something like this. www.acinfinity.com/component-fan-systems/aircom-t8-receiver-and-av-component-cooling-blower-system-rear-exhaust-17/#3 I use a heavy extension cord (for now) to run from another room,another circuit, to run my set of XPR-1’s and everything else on the plugs in the AV room. I never have a power problem. |
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Post by milt99 on Jul 8, 2018 13:59:45 GMT -5
Thanks craig & garbulky for your XPA-1L v. XPA-1 G2 impressions. My Gen2s are arriving tomorrow, Monday. I guess I was anticipating that the Gen2s would be an evolutionary step up from the 1Ls and primarily provide more bass output and control. I won't be able to audition my system for another month  . I need to get my ass in gear and finish that bloody living room. I did run a dedicated 20amp circuit for the amps during the reno just in case. When I was using the 1Ls I hooked up a watt-o-meter and a 15amp circuit was plenty for those amps. BTW, when was running the 1Ls, I switched to Class A when listening and used the A\B switch as standby when not listening. What do you guys do? |
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Post by craigl59 on Jul 8, 2018 14:39:54 GMT -5
milt99:
Notice that the bass is now much tighter and the timbre more accurate. Think you'll find a large number of sonic improvements over the 1L.
Make sure you check the units out when they arrive even if waiting for the reno before install.
I keep them in class A all of the time but should switch them to A/B for TV.
However, am listening less and less to cable these days as the news is so uniformly unpleasant. Why not listen to a well-recorded symphony or bluegrass event instead?
Get ready for the heat, BTW. These units run very hot and you should prepare for some ventilation.
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Post by craigl59 on Jul 8, 2018 16:11:49 GMT -5
leonski, novisnick, garbulky
Is there a problem running the XPA-1 on a 15 amp circuit?
Did not get an owner's manual for the device and nothing on the website suggests it must be run on 20 amps.
Can running the amp on a 15 amp circuit cause extra heat?
Have switched my units to A/B and connected them individually to the wall outlets with heavy gauge Pangea cable to see if that helps the heat buildup.
Novisnick: thanks for the Aircom recco. Some of the reviews, however, suggest that the unit is noisy. Have you heard one?
Thanks all.
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Post by novisnick on Jul 8, 2018 16:22:26 GMT -5
leonski, novisnick, garbulky Is there a problem running the XPA-1 on a 15 amp circuit? Did not get an owner's manual for the device and nothing on the website suggests it must be run on 20 amps. Can running the amp on a 15 amp circuit cause extra heat? Have switched my units to A/B and connected them individually to the wall outlets with heavy gauge Pangea cable to see if that helps the heat buildup. Novisnick: thanks for the Aircom recco. Some of the reviews, however, suggest that the unit is noisy. Have you heard one? Thanks all. Glad to help. Aircom is one of many companies that make good quality fans. Most come with a db rating of their fans, there seems to be a close relationship between lower db’s and more money. But well worth it IMHO. A few dollars saved NOW will give you a long time of NO regrets. Classe A will always run much hotter then Classe A/B. Ventilation is a must! Ive run an XPA-5 and a set of duel 15” subs, thats 4 x 15”, and most of my other gear on a single 15 amp circuit. I just don’t turn it all on at the exact same time. A pice of gears maximum need is never required at all times if ever. more circuits are always nice but you don’t need a 20 amp service. Im using two 15 amp circuits as Ive mentioned. A few years now and everything is good. 👍😁🎶🎶🎶🎶 Dont sweat it, have fun and enjoy. |
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Post by donh50 on Jul 8, 2018 16:41:13 GMT -5
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Post by craigl59 on Jul 8, 2018 17:23:59 GMT -5
Thanks, guys.
Class A/B didn't last very long. For the dense orchestral music I listen to, there is a BIG difference between A and A/B. Know this isn't the normal perspective, but the difference in string and timbral accuracy is like night and day for my system and ears.
Got a computer radiator fan that is inaudible and pulls 40CFM and am placing it on top of the XPA-1 (middle) and seeing if it brings down the temp comfortably. So far, so good.
Am missing the line conditioning of the Furman on the amps because the electricity is very dirty in this particular town. Still, with class A operative, all sounds acceptable and like the idea of having the amps connected directly to the wall outlets.
Thanks again. Your knowledge is what makes these threads work.
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. I need to get my ass in gear and finish that bloody living room.
