XPA Gen-3 produces more power on 230VAC? How much more?

[JKCashin]

From the manual... emphasis is mine:

Also note that, while the exceptional sound quality of the XPA Gen3 modular power amplifier, and its two-channel continuous power rating, remain the same whether you choose to use a 120 VAC line or a 230 VAC line, the multi-channel power ratings are somewhat higher when you power the XPA Gen3 from a 230 VAC circuit. While the XPA Gen3 modular power amplifier will provide plenty of power for most home theater installations when run from a 120 VAC line, for the absolute best possible performance when testing, we recommend operating the XPA Gen3 from a 230 VAC line.

Enquiring minds want to know... how much more? Anyone know?

Reason I ask is I plan to run a new circuit to my H/T room, and was planning to do a 20A 110V circuit, but I am thinking I might want to run a 230V circuit as well!

[JKCashin]

Also, does anyone know what the maximumum current draw is? I figure a 15A 230VAC supply will do, which is equivalent to a 30A 115VAC supply.

[ttocs]

Jun 10, 2020 19:28:10 GMT -5 JKCashin said:

Also, does anyone know what the maximumum current draw is? I figure a 15A 230VAC supply will do, which is equivalent to a 30A 115VAC supply.

Since it would be a double-15A breaker, it really is 30 Amps. Easy enough to do if you have the space in the panel. It's one extra wire, so cost is minimal. I'd do it.

[JKCashin]

Yeah the more I think of it the more I wanna do it..

[ttocs]

Jun 10, 2020 20:06:12 GMT -5 JKCashin said:

Yeah the more I think of it the more I wanna do it..

I just realized that there's only two prongs on the power connector on the back of the amp. How can it be wired to a 230V circuit in the USA? What does the second Hot wire get connected to?

[JKCashin]

The 110VAC is a hot reference to neutral with the US (Canada too) plug. When you install the NEMA-2-15 receptacle, you run 12/2 wire, with the ground going to the box and shell, and TWO hot wires to the receptacle. The reference is now 115 against 115 which gives you 230. This is how your electric oven and dryer are wired.

[JKCashin]

See NEMA chart for plug styles

[ttocs]

Jun 10, 2020 21:00:45 GMT -5 JKCashin said:

The 110VAC is a hot reference to neutral with the US (Canada too) plug. When you install the NEMA-2-15 receptacle, you run 12/2 wire, with the ground going to the box and shell, and TWO hot wires to the receptacle. The reference is now 115 against 115 which gives you 230. This is how your electric oven and dryer are wired.

Not my oven. It's got two Hots, one Neutral, and a Ground. 4 wires from the panel to the appliance. It's been code here for 10 years (Chicagoland). I've built a lot of houses in the last 20 years (none for me) and have never been allowed to use two Hots without a Neutral and Ground for any device.

This is the outlet for my electric range.


In your scenario, where is the Neutral?

[AudioHTIT]

I’ve used several of these quad type breakers, you can get them as (2) 120V circuits and (1) 240V, (2) 240V, (4) 120V, lots of current options. takes up half the space and less expensive too. They do need to match your box. If I was running new wire I’d do a 120V and 240V, even if you don’t get more power, it’s more efficient.

www.homedepot.com/p/Siemens-15-Amp-Double-Pole-and-2-15-Amp-Single-Pole-Type-QT-Triplex-Circuit-Breaker-Q21515CT/206632147

[garbulky]

Well keep in mind a few things. Though the max power capabilities would be higher, each individual blade will only put out so much power. And that max is probably going to be that of an XPA-2 gen 3 blade no higher. The other is that the amp may be able to provide more power all channels driven, but in reality it would be impossible to actually reach such a value. For the most part you are using about 1 watt of power during listening. It's only in test signals that you can acheive such huge power draws.

[JKCashin]

Yeah it even says in the manual that this is for "test"... it was just a thought. I would have to look into issues around grounding as pointed out by others above. Thanks all