New amp(s)? Which one(s)

[novisnick]

I need some advice from my knowledgeable friends here on the forum. That system I’m putting together, I want/need to get something to drive speakers. I know the 140 watt PA-1 has gotten very good reviews but I’d like to look at others as well. Perhaps these can be discussed,
XPA HC-1 , 300 wpc @ $1400 a pair
XPA-2 Gen3 300 wpc @ $1000
XPA DR2 550 wpc @ $1600
pricing And design  should have some confederation as well.
I’d earnestly like to have recommendations and arguments for and against your choice. Thanks for the help.

[garbulky]

What speakers? What purpose? Bedroom? Main speakers? Surrounds? Office use?
The XPA HC-1 and trhe XPA-2 gen 3 are pretty much the same thing. However the XPA HC-1 has twice the power supply per channel - though still the same power output. The DR2 I have not heard.

[selind40]

Buy the Bob Carver Sunfire amp the guy on the forum is selling.....call it a day. Unless it has to be an Emo amp.....then, what the guy above said.

[davidl81]

Nick,
I have the DR-2 and paired with my RMC-1 I could not be happier with it. It drives my Mirage OMD-28s (which like all of the power) incredibly well. I had a XPA-2 Gen 2 before the DR-2 and it was a very solid amp, but I never got to hear the XPA on the RMC, I just had it on my Marantz AV8802. If this is for a two channel rig I don't think you go go wrong at all with the DR-2. I also think it has enough power to easily drive any speaker you could possibly think about buying.

[cwmcobra]

Nick, is this for the system you want to install in your restaurant?

[Boomzilla]

Big space = big power. Crown XLi-3500?

1,000 WPC @ 8 Ohms
1,350 WPC @ 4 Ohms
2,700 Watts (!) bridged @ 8 Ohms

Class D - Runs Cool - 43# - $729 @ Sweetwater

[simpleman68]

I've got my XPR-2 (orig owner) sitting in a back room that I'd sell you for $1100 + ship. Absolutely mint condition with maybe 200 hrs on it.

Just got it back from the shop to upgrade the relays that have been discontinued. All original box, cord etc.

Scott

[novisnick]

The room is 23’ X 18’ X 9’ I may bring them to the restaurant just to see if they make a big difference or not but the restaurant isn’t where I’d be doing critical listening. So these would be matched with whatever streams through my living room. ATM it has JBL CF 120’s but I’m always looking around for a different sounding speaker.

I find it interesting that half the suggestions are amps not on the list I’ve mentioned. 🤔
The XPA HC-1 ( fairly new model) hasn’t any reviews that I can find and where are all the reviews for the XPA2 Gen3?

[ttocs]

When the HC-1 was announced I was extremely interested to try with my electrostatics. But then, months passed, AXPONA came and went, got tired of waiting so I built a couple tube amps. End of story.

[amped]

Jun 10, 2020 7:51:58 GMT -5 selind40 said:

Buy the Bob Carver Sunfire amp the guy on the forum is selling.....call it a day. Unless it has to be an Emo amp.....then, what the guy above said.

I am in 100% agreement!  

[26gary26]

Good luck with your choice Nick.  I am just going to throw in my 2 cents. I have the XPA2 Gen3 and I am more than satisfied with its performance. With your suggestion last year that led to my purchase of the Mytek Brooklyn Dac, I have never been happier how the combination drives my Klipsch RF7II's.  My friend who is a sound engineer in the Bay Area here in California was impressed with the clarity and definition of sound.  I know your have a fantastic main system so I don't know what your expecting from a second system.  Most of my music is on Wave files and it seems I have the perfect combination for me.  Good Luck my friend. 

[novisnick]

Jun 10, 2020 11:25:01 GMT -5 ttocs said:

When the HC-1 was announced I was extremely interested to try with my electrostatics. But then, months passed, AXPONA came and went, got tired of waiting so I built a couple tube amps. End of story.

Yes, me as well. I don’t think they’re available atm. 
Hey, @keithl @hair Nick oe lonnie
What’s the story with the XPA CH-1 ? Are they in production? What’s going on? I haven’t seen any reviews or hype!

[foggy1956]

FWIW,  I am happy with a xpa-2 gen3 driving my Tekton DI's

[garbulky]

Jun 10, 2020 11:05:45 GMT -5 novisnick said:

The room is 23’ X 18’ X 9’ I may bring them to the restaurant just to see if they make a big difference or not but the restaurant isn’t where I’d be doing critical listening. So these would be matched with whatever streams through my living room. ATM it has JBL CF 120’s but I’m always looking around for a different sounding speaker.

I find it interesting that half the suggestions are amps not on the list I’ve mentioned. 🤔
The XPA HC-1 ( fairly new model) hasn’t any reviews that I can find and where are all the reviews for the XPA2 Gen3?

For the JBL, honestly any amp that gets it loud enough should suffice imo. You got a Crown lying around? Stick it in there. You're good to go! Are you using those XPA-1 L's? That's all the amp you'd ever need for the JBL's! I don't think the JBL is very fussy in terms of amps. No need for more moola. As for the choices listed, personally I would select none of them namely not the HC-1 or the XPA-2 gen 3. But I have not heard the XPA DR-2 so who knows that one might sound amazing.

[amped]

How about a Carver Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature Series II 5 channel amplifier with 425 Watts per Channel Bi-Wireable AND/OR Bi-Ampable for $1200?  In Pristine Like New Condition and LOW hours.  Seriously this is a hell of a piece of gear.  I hope you don't think I'm peddling to you BUT this really is everything you're looking for for HT or 2CH use.  That's a REAL Signature on the face!

..