fmzip
Minor Hero
Posts: 85 
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Post by fmzip on Jun 27, 2019 9:28:08 GMT -5
I have XPA-1L's driving my B&W 804 front channel and HTM-1 being driven by an old Rotel RMB-1077 Class D amp Specs on the speakers Recommended Power: 50 - 200 Watts ( 804); 50 - 250 Watts ( HTM1) MFR: 45 Hz - 20 kHz (804); 49 Hz - 20 kHz (HTM1) ± 2 dB Sensitivity: 89 dB/W/M (804); 90 dB/W/M (HTM1) Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms At the time I bought the XPA-1L's, I had a wimpy center channel which is why I didn't buy the same amp. Hindsight I should have! So I was wondering, would it make sense to buy the DR3 and call it a day? Any other suggestions for getting the center channel in sync with the mains? Would the DR3 be too much power for these speakers? I am only running a 3.1 channel setup and that's likely permanent due to the WAF  |
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Post by novisnick on Jun 27, 2019 9:34:23 GMT -5
Why not buy another monoblock amp and be done? Are you repurposing the XPA-1L’s? Are they sold?
No amp is too powerful for any speaker, the problem occurs when you turn the volume up beyond the speakers ability to handle the power. Now, an amp can be underpowered for a particular speaker and that too has its own problems.
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fmzip
Minor Hero
Posts: 85
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Post by fmzip on Jun 27, 2019 9:40:50 GMT -5
Why not buy another monoblock amp and be done? Are you repurposing the XPA-1L’s? Are they sold? No amp is too powerful for any speaker, the problem occurs when you turn the volume up beyond the speakers ability to handle the power. Now, an amp can be underpowered for a particular speaker and that too has its own problems. If I could find another XPA-1L, I'd purchase it. My thought was to sell the XPA-1Ls after I purchased the DR3 |
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Post by AudioHTIT on Jun 27, 2019 10:01:28 GMT -5
Why not buy another monoblock amp and be done? Are you repurposing the XPA-1L’s? Are they sold? No amp is too powerful for any speaker, the problem occurs when you turn the volume up beyond the speakers ability to handle the power. Now, an amp can be underpowered for a particular speaker and that too has its own problems. If I could find another XPA-1L, I'd purchase it. My thought was to sell the XPA-1Ls after I purchased the DR3 I’d agree with Nick and look for another 1L first, if your patience runs out then go for the DR3. Both options should do a good job, less weight and a single unit with the DR3, but no SMBS card. |
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Post by doc1963 on Jun 27, 2019 10:26:31 GMT -5
I think the DR-3 would be a good choice for you. Granted, you will get a lot of arguments regarding SMPS versus linear power supplies (and I have debated that decision too), but from my own personal experience (moving from a "G1" XPA-5 and a pair of "G1" XPA-1s to a "G3" XPA-5 and a DR-2), I don't feel that I'm missing anything. My back noticed more of a difference than my ears did...  |
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Post by tropicallutefisk on Jun 27, 2019 11:21:06 GMT -5
I had a XPA-1L driving my center channel and another stereo amp driving my stereo mains. The XPA-1L did an awesome job and was my first Emotiva amp. I was not as happy with my stereo amp however. It really struggled to drive my Maggies, so I replaced it with a pair of DR-1s. It proved to be a great decision and they were a huge improvement. That left me with a mismatched front end, so I sold the XPA-1L and replaced it with a DR-1. Now, the reason I did so was that I wanted big watts for my 3.7i Maggies and wanted the front end to be matched. There was nothing wrong with the XPA-1L and it probably would have been just fine if I were not anal retentive and wanted the three amps to be matched. If 250 watts drives your speakers well and you're patient enough to buy a used XPA-1L to complete your system that's the route I'd choose. Otherwise, a dr-3 is a great amp and a simple, clean solution for your system. Not that I hear a big difference between the 1L and the Dr1, but I do notice a bit of a more refined, fuller sound in the DRs.
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Post by doc1963 on Jun 27, 2019 14:12:01 GMT -5
Not that I hear a big difference between the 1L and the Dr1, but I do notice a bit of a more refined, fuller sound in the DRs. Yes... I do agree with this and is likely the result of some of the "Gen3" amplifier module design being borrowed from the former XPR line. |
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fmzip
Minor Hero
Posts: 85
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Post by fmzip on Jun 27, 2019 21:55:18 GMT -5
Interesting guys... Thanks for the imput. The new house is really bright, even with the Anthem ARC. May need more oomph! Wondering if I need to try a different brand of amp all together. Here's the layout to give you an idea of the space   |
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Post by AudioHTIT on Jun 27, 2019 23:53:15 GMT -5
I think the DR-3 would be a good choice for you. Granted, you will get a lot of arguments regarding SMPS versus linear power supplies (and I have debated that decision too), but from my own personal experience (moving from a "G1" XPA-5 and a pair of "G1" XPA-1s to a "G3" XPA-5 and a DR-2), I don't feel that I'm missing anything. My back noticed more of a difference than my ears did... I just noticed my reference above to the Secret Mono Block Society is only one letter away from a Switched Mode Power Supply. 🤓 Ohhh! 🤫 |
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Post by AudioHTIT on Jun 28, 2019 0:02:28 GMT -5
Interesting guys... Thanks for the imput. The new house is really bright, even with the Anthem ARC. May need more oomph! Wondering if I need to try a different brand of amp all together. Here's the layout to give you an idea of the space Very Nice! and a beautiful space! Looks like you have the BDI Corridor I based my Credenza design on, B&W’s on mine too! |
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fmzip
Minor Hero
Posts: 85
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Post by fmzip on Jun 28, 2019 13:38:20 GMT -5
Interesting guys... Thanks for the imput. The new house is really bright, even with the Anthem ARC. May need more oomph! Wondering if I need to try a different brand of amp all together. Here's the layout to give you an idea of the space Very Nice! and a beautiful space! Looks like you have the BDI Corridor I based my Credenza design on, B&W’s on mine too! Indeed correct! Thanks for the compliment |
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Post by Gary Cook on Jun 28, 2019 15:55:05 GMT -5
Interesting guys... Thanks for the imput. The new house is really bright, even with the Anthem ARC. May need more oomph! Wondering if I need to try a different brand of amp all together. Here's the layout to give you an idea of the space OK, apologies first as this is going to sound harsh and IMHO changing amps isn’t going to help much, if at all. I’m not surprised that at it’s bright, too many windows and not enough curtains, plus bare timber floors on the peripheries and reflective walls (+ TV) behind the speakers. It’s a big echo chamber and it needs some taming, so I’ll throw some suggestions. Double layer curtains, flimsy drop blinds don’t cut it. Extend the carpet at least to the front wall. Non reflective panels on the wall behind the speakers and on the front of the kitchen island. I know the boss is going to hate it, so you have to sneak it in, one upgrade at a time. For the example the non reflective panels, they are never ever for acoustics (don’t even mention the word) they are really really artwork, or family pictures, or trendy shapes, whatever is acceptable. There to break up the bare boringness of the blank wall. The double layer curtains are for energy conservation, never ever for acoustics, to keep the heat out in summer so the air con works less and conversely to keep the heat in in the winter so the log fire is more effective. The extra carpet is because your feet get cold walking on the bare floor boards, or it’s annoying changing the vacuum cleaner head between the carpet and the bare boards, or it’s noisy at night. Cheers Gary |
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fmzip
Minor Hero
Posts: 85
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Post by fmzip on Jun 29, 2019 21:07:01 GMT -5
Correct Gary..... I had a hard enough time getting the B&W 804's, HTM1, monster sub and stereo cabinet into the design center. I had to also beg and plead for the black recliner. The boss will not let us destroy the design any further. I already know the space isn't ideal but it sure does look real nice |
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Post by Gary Cook on Jul 1, 2019 19:59:42 GMT -5
Correct Gary..... I had a hard enough time getting the B&W 804's, HTM1, monster sub and stereo cabinet into the design center. I had to also beg and plead for the black recliner. The boss will not let us destroy the design any further. I already know the space isn't ideal but it sure does look real nice Acoustic panels these days don't need to look like acoustic panels;   I have very large acoustic panel on the rear wall in the lounge room made from a picture that my son took (he's a photographer). My wife is a Monet aficionado, so she likes the acoustic panel like this one that I gave to her as a birthday present (she doesn't even know that it's an acoustic panel).  As always, when you want something it's all about convincing STMBO that it's her idea. Cheers Gary |
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fmzip
Minor Hero
Posts: 85
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Post by fmzip on Jul 2, 2019 8:27:20 GMT -5
Correct Gary..... I had a hard enough time getting the B&W 804's, HTM1, monster sub and stereo cabinet into the design center. I had to also beg and plead for the black recliner. The boss will not let us destroy the design any further. I already know the space isn't ideal but it sure does look real nice Acoustic panels these days don't need to look like acoustic panels; I have very large acoustic panel on the rear wall in the lounge room made from a picture that my son took (he's a photographer). My wife is a Monet aficionado, so she likes the acoustic panel like this one that I gave to her as a birthday present (she doesn't even know that it's an acoustic panel). As always, when you want something it's all about convincing STMBO that it's her idea. Cheers Gary Wow, those are nice Gary. I just don't have any wall space other than behind the speakers and I think it would look odd with anything on the wall by the side of the plasma |
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Post by davidl81 on Jul 2, 2019 9:40:09 GMT -5
I have the DR-2 and I have been really happy with it. I thought about upgrading mine to a DR-3 to get the center matching as well, but I am undecided on that. If you have the itch to try it I say buy the DR-3 and worst case try out the 30 day trail you get from Emotiva. If it does not sound any better than what you have, you can always return it and just be out shipping charges, ballpark $50. I like the idea of just one amp that has all the power in the world for your three main speakers.
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Post by Gary Cook on Jul 2, 2019 21:57:10 GMT -5
Very boring panels, would be much more attractive with prints, but gives the idea.  Cheers Gary |
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Post by garbulky on Jul 3, 2019 0:26:38 GMT -5
I've heard the XPA-1 L in several configurations. I haven't heard the DR-1 but I have heard the single blade gen 3 which granted is likely not the same thing. But I am assuming it will have some of the advantages of the gen 3. The main advantage over the XPA-1 L is that it is a bit more extended in the bass on difficult towers. However for me that's where the advantages stop. The XPA-1 L had better more natural tone than the (single bladed) gen 3 which to me was more important than the bass.
The XPA-1 L's are really nice sounding units. Looking at your room it looks like an XPA_1 L coupled to nagging the wife for room treatments or heavy carpets would be more beneificial in the long run. Nice looking setup, happy listening!
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fmzip
Minor Hero
Posts: 85
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Post by fmzip on Jul 10, 2019 14:08:10 GMT -5
I've heard the XPA-1 L in several configurations. I haven't heard the DR-1 but I have heard the single blade gen 3 which granted is likely not the same thing. But I am assuming it will have some of the advantages of the gen 3. The main advantage over the XPA-1 L is that it is a bit more extended in the bass on difficult towers. However for me that's where the advantages stop. The XPA-1 L had better more natural tone than the (single bladed) gen 3 which to me was more important than the bass. The XPA-1 L's are really nice sounding units. Looking at your room it looks like an XPA_1 L coupled to nagging the wife for room treatments or heavy carpets would be more beneificial in the long run. Nice looking setup, happy listening! Thanks |
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Post by leonski on Aug 4, 2019 23:12:13 GMT -5
I had a XPA-1L driving my center channel and another stereo amp driving my stereo mains. The XPA-1L did an awesome job and was my first Emotiva amp. I was not as happy with my stereo amp however. It really struggled to drive my Maggies, so I replaced it with a pair of DR-1s. It proved to be a great decision and they were a huge improvement. That left me with a mismatched front end, so I sold the XPA-1L and replaced it with a DR-1. Now, the reason I did so was that I wanted big watts for my 3.7i Maggies and wanted the front end to be matched. There was nothing wrong with the XPA-1L and it probably would have been just fine if I were not anal retentive and wanted the three amps to be matched. If 250 watts drives your speakers well and you're patient enough to buy a used XPA-1L to complete your system that's the route I'd choose. Otherwise, a dr-3 is a great amp and a simple, clean solution for your system. Not that I hear a big difference between the 1L and the Dr1, but I do notice a bit of a more refined, fuller sound in the DRs. What was the 'mismatch'? Audible? Aestetic? In your head? B&W can be an awful load for an amp. Maggies are low sensitivity but NOT a bad load at all. Very low reactance is the reason. Speakers don't have watts, either. That's a nearly meaningless number. And can be arrived at several different ways, which if not disclosed throws the whole idea into the trash. |
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