Question about XPA-DR3

[ludendorff]

Hi,
I have a pair of GoldenEar Triton Reference speakers, Super Center XXL, two SVS SB13 Plus Subs and Triton 3+ for surrounds. I'm currently using a Rotel 1590 for the fronts and Rotel 1585 for the center/surrounds. My processor is an XMC-1.

I'm interested in the XPA-DR3 to run the References + XXL Center. However, when I looked at the manual for the DR3 I saw this:

'(XPA-DR ONLY): The Differential Reference Amplifier Modules used in the XPA-DR Gen3 amplifiers are fully differential. Each of the speaker output terminals on each channel carries an active signal, so you cannot connect the minus speaker output to ground, or connect the amplifier outputs to any powered speaker or speaker switch that uses a common ground.'

The Tritons are all powered for the bass section. What does this warning mean for me? Anything I need to be careful of?

Also, the Rotels are both excellent amps. Would you expect a meaningful improvement in sound quality going with the DR3? I also have an XPA-2 Gen3 and honestly I could tell very little difference between that amp and the 1590 when I tested them back to back.

Thanks!

[davidl81]

May 9, 2019 8:46:52 GMT -5 ludendorff said:

Hi,
I have a pair of GoldenEar Triton Reference speakers, Super Center XXL, two SVS SB13 Plus Subs and Triton 3+ for surrounds. I'm currently using a Rotel 1590 for the fronts and Rotel 1585 for the center/surrounds. My processor is an XMC-1.

I'm interested in the XPA-DR3 to run the References + XXL Center. However, when I looked at the manual for the DR3 I saw this:

'(XPA-DR ONLY): The Differential Reference Amplifier Modules used in the XPA-DR Gen3 amplifiers are fully differential. Each of the speaker output terminals on each channel carries an active signal, so you cannot connect the minus speaker output to ground, or connect the amplifier outputs to any powered speaker or speaker switch that uses a common ground.'

The Tritons are all powered for the bass section. What does this warning mean for me? Anything I need to be careful of?

Also, the Rotels are both excellent amps. Would you expect a meaningful improvement in sound quality going with the DR3? I also have an XPA-2 Gen3 and honestly I could tell very little difference between that amp and the 1590 when I tested them back to back.

Thanks!

I don't know about the first part, but I do remember seeing that question asked before on the DR amps and the golden ear speakers.

As far as SQ goes I have a DR-2 that was a replacement for my XPA-2 (Gen 2) amp.  Honestly I could tell virtually no difference in the amps.  Part of that is the XPA-2 G2 was a really good amp.  I do not think you will hear a very meaningful difference in SQ going with the DR-3 versus your Rotel set up, but you do get a 30 day free trial with Emotiva.  Give them a call and ask about the Golden Ear speakers and the Dr amp.