Emotiva PA-1 power amplifier review is now LIVE!

[Boomzilla]

Feb 20, 2019 9:56:37 GMT -5 tomincle said:

...The first thing I thought of is if Emotiva wants the public to forget about what we all think we know about
Class D amps, Why would they use a "PA" letter designation for something that is "audiophile" quality...

A very good question - I've no answer.

Feb 20, 2019 9:56:37 GMT -5 tomincle said:

...Secondly why is there no matching preamp or at least reintroduce the DC-1 to go along with the SP-1.

I can't address the "why no preamp?" question but I think I can say why we got the PA-1s. Dan heard them - liked them - and bought a big lot of them from B&O. The volume discount allowed Emotiva to package them and sell them for a very, very low price.

Feb 20, 2019 9:56:37 GMT -5 tomincle said:

...Trust me this really got me thinking that I could fit a major two channel system in the space of two 1U rack system items.

True, tomincle - they are tiny and run cool in addition to sounding amazing.

Feb 20, 2019 16:29:51 GMT -5 randolfw said:

...BTW, really enjoyed the PA-1 review. It is refreshing to see a reviewer get so excited about a piece of equipment. That elusive thrill of hearing an improvement in your setup is why we are all here. And it is even better when it is a surprise, so great job Boomzilla.

First, thank you kindly, Randy. And it's definitely fair to say I was surprised by the PA-1. I'd owned a number of Class-D amps before including Crown's XLS amps and other "pro-audio" models. They were cool for their features, price, small size, light weight, and high power output, but NONE of them sounded anywhere near as good as the more expensive amps. So I thought that I had a good understanding of what to expect from the PA-1 amps. After all, the "PA" designation gave me the impression that they were primarily intended for public-address work, and Emotiva's mention of "studio" service in the PA-1 product page reinforced my expectations.

So when I got the amps... WHOA! Definitely NOT a "pro amp" sound! Their sound was SO far away from what I was expecting that I promptly asked garbulky to check them out and tell me what he thought. Like me, he was highly impressed. So I wrote my review knowing that the Secrets site might not even post it since it was such a rave, and also knowing that the review would instantly earn me the (incorrect) online reputation as an incorrigible Emotiva Fanboy. And in spite of those personal "negatives," I felt that I had to say what I heard - so I did.

The review feedback is about what I expected, although the trolls mostly felt it wasn't worth their time to respond. And having lived with the amps since the review, I still stand by what I said. Were I to criticize ANY aspect of the amp, it would be my reduced pleasure when the amp tries to take on speakers that exhibit both less than four ohms impedance dips and difficult phase angle crossovers. Don't get me wrong - the PA-1s still play those speakers just fine, and sound far better than an AVR doing it - but the little amps seem to sound their best (and their best is startling) with six-to-eight ohm speakers (nominal impedance).

Finally, yes - using a subwoofer does seem to "unload" both the satellite speakers and the amps so that the combination plays at yet another level up. The PA-1s are "keepers!"

Boomzilla

[garbulky]

My Axioms are 4 ohm nominal and they drove them quite nicely imo. I don't think impedance is an issue with them or the majority of 4 ohm speakers.

[archman]

Thank you Boomzilla & Garbulky for providing some insight on the PA-1. I am thoroughly enjoying it and have replaced a PS Audio 200C vintage amp that definitely exhibits a warm tone. While the vintage PS Audio will provide a "little" more body, the PA-1 not only holds their own it provides exceptional speed, clarity to the music and extremely low noise floor. It is very comparable in tone (in my setup and various 2 channel rooms) to my Primaluna EL34 integrated with Wharfedale Evo-8. I mention that since I'm using very sensitive Klipsch RF7 (original) speakers which are known for being shouty and bright, but not with the Emotiva PA-1 and 728A tube pre-amp. Again, thank you both for your insight and recommendation.

[Boomzilla]

Thanks kindly for the feedback, archman - I'm so glad you're enjoying your PA-1s. I'm still in lust with mine.

Boomzilla

[strindl]

Feb 5, 2019 5:49:16 GMT -5 Boomzilla said:

The Emotiva PA-1 is worth twice or more its price as a home audio amp. The Crowns (despite their power-per-dollar advantage) aren't worth half their asking price as a home audio amp. This is my opinion, and I think that anyone who has heard both amps in a high-quality home audio system would agree. If they don't agree, for whatever reason, then they're entitled to their opinions, but that won't change mine. I think the PA-1s are the bargain of the ages, and in fact, both I and my Secrets editor had to go through my review to "tone down" the praise lest it seem utterly silly to those who haven't yet heard the PA-1.

This ISN'T "commercial" Class-D!

Boomzilla

I tried a Crown amp about a year ago...one of their XLS series with lots of power. I needed a new amp to drive a pair of Magnepan 1.7's. I read some forums where people were saying the Crown amps were the buy of the century and sounded great on high end systems. I bought one at my local Guitar Center store, brought it home and hooked it up. I listened to it carefully for a day. At no time did it sound anywhere near what I would call audiophile quality. It just didn't. I packed it back up and returned it to the Guitar Center store. I then bought an XPA2 generation 3 at Audio Emporium in Milwaukee, a dealer I've been buying from for 40 years who is an Emotiva dealer. The XPA2 sounds way way better on my Magnepans then that Crown did.

[Boomzilla]

Hi strindl -

I'm not surprised. For PA use, where the speakers are so non-linear that it doesn't matter, the "pro" amps are fine. But I agree that for home audio, you really need something better-sounding.

Boom

[garbulky]

May 29, 2019 21:26:52 GMT -5 archman said:

Thank you Boomzilla & Garbulky for providing some insight on the PA-1. I am thoroughly enjoying it and have replaced a PS Audio 200C vintage amp that definitely exhibits a warm tone. While the vintage PS Audio will provide a "little" more body, the PA-1 not only holds their own it provides exceptional speed, clarity to the music and extremely low noise floor. It is very comparable in tone (in my setup and various 2 channel rooms) to my Primaluna EL34 integrated with Wharfedale Evo-8. I mention that since I'm using very sensitive Klipsch RF7 (original) speakers which are known for being shouty and bright, but not with the Emotiva PA-1 and 728A tube pre-amp. Again, thank you both for your insight and recommendation.

Glad you like it archman ! They are a fantastic value and also simply just great sound .I have heard amps that costs more than them and they are either worse sounding or simply not better. I've only heard two amps that can compete with them. Not saying there isn't more.

[archman]

I'm just very happy that your openness (and of course Boomzilla's review) about the musicality of the PA-1 allowed me to be intrigued enough to try it. My expectations were that it would sound good, but my personal listening experience went beyond my expectations. Being a classically trained pianist and having friends who are musicians listen to the setup (without knowing price/brand) and being impressed by the reproduction of music is a testament to the PA-1 along with the synergy of system, room, and speaker placement. I am hoping that I will have the opportunity to do a video to demonstrate the system playing various genres of music so that those who may be interested can have a "musical flavor" of what can be achieved with the PA-1.


Archman

[Boomzilla]

Go for the gusto, archman! The amps are worth the trouble.

[garbulky]

May 30, 2019 13:37:57 GMT -5 archman said:

I'm just very happy that your openness (and of course Boomzilla's review) about the musicality of the PA-1 allowed me to be intrigued enough to try it. My expectations were that it would sound good, but my personal listening experience went beyond my expectations. Being a classically trained pianist and having friends who are musicians listen to the setup (without knowing price/brand) and being impressed by the reproduction of music is a testament to the PA-1 along with the synergy of system, room, and speaker placement. I am hoping that I will have the opportunity to do a video to demonstrate the system playing various genres of music so that those who may be interested can have a "musical flavor" of what can be achieved with the PA-1.


Archman

Nice! There are also two slightly different flavors of sound depending on how long it's left turned on. When first turned on, it has a certain sound, then after being left on (for more than a day) the sound slowly stabilizes to give a different sound. I reccomend leaving them on (and not using the auto off feature). They produce very little heat and consume only a little power.

[archman]

Thanks Garbulky, I leave it on now and what I have noticed is more openness to the music. Certainly an added bonus:-)

[alleycat2016]

I am looking to add an amp for LCR and repurpose my XPA-7 Gen 3 for Armos. I am considering the XPA-3 DRs until I came across the review of the PA1. The review makes me think about adding 3 x PA1 for the LCR. My pre- is XMC-1, which will be upgraded to XMC-2 when it becomes available.

Can anyone compare the DR's to 3 x PA1 mono?

Thanks,
Alley Cat

[Boomzilla]

Hi alleycat2016 -

I've not been able to do a multichannel vs. multiple PA-1 comparison, but I'd think that for multi-channel use, the lower power consumption, cooler operation, lighter weight, and versatile placement options of the PA-1s would swing my vote in their direction. They STILL sound amazing!

Glann Young (aka Boomzilla)

[alleycat2016]

Hi Boomzilla,
Thank you for the feedback. I guess I should consider ordering the PA-1's and try them for sound "color" matches with my XPA-7 Gen 3. Emotiva's return policy will allow me to try them.

I am waiting for the XMC-2 to release, and trade my XMC-1. I will need the new processor for additional channels/speakers for Atmos.

AlleyCat

[AudioHTIT]

Aug 9, 2019 11:56:53 GMT -5 alleycat2016 said:

I am looking to add an amp for LCR and repurpose my XPA-7 Gen 3 for Armos. I am considering the XPA-3 DRs until I came across the review of the PA1. The review makes me think about adding 3 x PA1 for the LCR. My pre- is XMC-1, which will be upgraded to XMC-2 when it becomes available.

Can anyone compare the DR's to 3 x PA1 mono?

Thanks,
Alley Cat

I didn’t notice a mention of your speakers, but one difference is that the DR’s have about triple the power. I’m using PA-1’s with my Magnepan’s, and even with 4 of them bi-amped, they don’t pack the power of my 450 Watt VTLs. This is only an issue if you have very inefficient speakers in a very large room. I’m not trying to dissuade you from the PA-1’s as I like them, just pointing out an obvious difference beyond their sound.

[routlaw]

Aug 13, 2019 19:38:35 GMT -5 AudioHTIT said:

I didn’t notice a mention of your speakers, but one difference is that the DR’s have about triple the power. I’m using PA-1’s with my Magnepan’s, and even with 4 of them bi-amped, they don’t pack the power of my 450 Watt VTLs. This is only an issue if you have very inefficient speakers in a very large room. I’m not trying to dissuade you from the PA-1’s as I like them, just pointing out an obvious difference beyond their sound.

Not that I have a dog in this race, in fact I have never heard the PA-1's, but it would seem very likely those tube amps just might sound quite a bit different than the PA-1's. Sort of like comparing apples to oranges in many ways albeit and interesting one. 

[AudioHTIT]

Aug 14, 2019 15:00:50 GMT -5 routlaw said:

Aug 13, 2019 19:38:35 GMT -5 AudioHTIT said:

I didn’t notice a mention of your speakers, but one difference is that the DR’s have about triple the power. I’m using PA-1’s with my Magnepan’s, and even with 4 of them bi-amped, they don’t pack the power of my 450 Watt VTLs. This is only an issue if you have very inefficient speakers in a very large room. I’m not trying to dissuade you from the PA-1’s as I like them, just pointing out an obvious difference beyond their sound.

Not that I have a dog in this race, in fact I have never heard the PA-1's, but it would seem very likely those tube amps just might sound quite a bit different than the PA-1's. Sort of like comparing apples to oranges in many ways albeit and interesting one. 

Yes, you are spot on, I didn’t mean to compare the sound of the VTLs and PA-1, but rather to compare the power of the MB-450 to the DR-3. For my speakers and room, I’d like a PA-2 or 3 with double or triple the power.

[LCSeminole]

Just picked up 4 of the PA-1's and I blame Boomzilla for the review and Jessica for the 30% EmoBucks deal that basically allowed me to buy 3 and get 1 free.

[leonski]

Aug 13, 2019 19:38:35 GMT -5 AudioHTIT said:

Aug 9, 2019 11:56:53 GMT -5 alleycat2016 said:

I am looking to add an amp for LCR and repurpose my XPA-7 Gen 3 for Armos. I am considering the XPA-3 DRs until I came across the review of the PA1. The review makes me think about adding 3 x PA1 for the LCR. My pre- is XMC-1, which will be upgraded to XMC-2 when it becomes available.

Can anyone compare the DR's to 3 x PA1 mono?

Thanks,
Alley Cat

I didn’t notice a mention of your speakers, but one difference is that the DR’s have about triple the power. I’m using PA-1’s with my Magnepan’s, and even with 4 of them bi-amped, they don’t pack the power of my 450 Watt VTLs. This is only an issue if you have very inefficient speakers in a very large room. I’m not trying to dissuade you from the PA-1’s as I like them, just pointing out an obvious difference beyond their sound.

Several possibles for 'why' the PA amps don't kick it like the VTL.
You are running biamp with the 20.1, right?    So I'll 'assume' (dangerous, even at the best of times) you are leaving the mid/high crossover alone and splitting the bass- mid/high.    Crossover frequency matters as a function of required power for normal music.    The 50:50 point is about 350hz, from our FWIW department.    In addition?   You gain NO POWER by so splitting unless you are using an active OR passive line-level crossover before the amps.  You'll gain as much as 3db additional apparent power by so doing.     In addition?   Those VTLs are beasts.   What is it?  8x6550 or KT88?    Man, I'd HATE to confront that electric bill and the AirConditioning bill come summer!   The MarkIII version has variable damping, which I'd LOVE to hear with your panels.   It might actually not make much difference, since panels store so little energy.   But certainly worth the test, as well as flipping the switch to a much lower powered Triode mode.
How's THAT work out?   

[Boomzilla]

I've been tempted by Emotiva's 30% off deal as well LCSeminole. My thought was that I could bi-amplify my speakers, using one PA-1 for each speaker's bass and another for their treble. Now this is wretched overkill from a power standpoint, since I virtually never play my speakers loudly (my normal listening power output is <1 watt). But I've bi-amplified speakers before and heard small but audible improvements even without needing the power.

My concern with bi-amplification, however, is not with the loudspeakers, but rather with the preamplifier. If I'm driving both power amps in parallel, then the preamplifier will see but half the normal input impedance of the amps. If I'm running balanced connectors, the combined parallel impedance seen by the preamp output will be 23,500 ohms. This is within range for any modern preamp and shouldn't be a problem. However, if I'm running unbalanced, the parallel impedance (if I understand it correctly) will be but 11,750 ohms. With a well designed and robust modern preamp, this shouldn't be a problem either (most, I read, are good for loads down to 10,000 ohms). But if I'm driving the power amps from a digital-volume-control source component (and such sources are typically designed with the expectation of seeing a full 47K ohm load), I may be giving away any sonic advantages gained at the speakers by loading down the source. Is this a real concern?

The impedance that the preamp might see is further complicated by the fact that both the power amplifier and the subwoofer plate amp for each channel are already being driven in parallel. If the Airmotiv S-15 input impedance is also 47,000 ohms (balanced), then the paralleled impedance of the three devices (two PA-1 amps and the sub's plate amp) will be about 15,700 ohms - still safe. But if I'm driving them all unbalanced, I get about 7,800 ohms - below the magic 10,000 design of most preamps. This situation would be alleviated by using an electronic crossover between the preamp and amps/subwoofers.

So enough mental gymnastics - I've been told that I "think too much," and they may have a point. The ultimate question is "will I hear enough of an improvement with bi-amplification to justify the price?" Whadda ya think?

Boomzilal