XPA-2 Gen 3 makes Stereophile 2020 Recommended List

[Deleted]

Oct 5, 2020 13:15:17 GMT -5 creimes said:

Oct 5, 2020 12:36:10 GMT -5 @shimei said:

Does anyone actually want to address the 'harsh transistor' like sound described by reviewers? Other reviewers also have chimed in with 'masculine'.

I realize the amp is comprised of more than one part but operates as a system in a system. Having said that, I moved away from both the XPA Gen 3 to the DR series only to feel they lacked the desirable fidelity. I wasn't bout to search or hunt down out of warranty old gear as I wasn't attached to Emotiva branding.

My current amp has a permanent place in my system. If I am understanding correct Keith used 1 amp for all that is necessary for 8 watts into an 8 ohm speaker and another passed excess off as marketing for high current Amps. The Parasound Halo A31 passes 60+ Amps per channel. The mid bass range blossomed when compared to Emotiva. Mind you the ohm load for my speakers dives to 2.3 ohms in the mid bass region. I'm confused as to why if all the math shows one thing the overall fidelity says another.

Okay, I'm ready to be confronted by the Borg. Assisimilate me if you will. I'm ready to loose my artsy side for harsh, masculine, transistor like expression!

I wouldn't even want to know what Parasound, McIntosh or even the Canadian brand Bryston would cost me but I'm sure it would be more than what our one and only car we have is worth haha, so like I've mentioned before yet i don't believe it's true that only the rich can afford good SQ ?? as I'm very very happy with my system.

Chad

I wasn't expecting a "major" jump going from the Emotiva XPA-DR3 to the Parasound Halo A31. Both are 3 channel amps. Can't find the current specs for the Emotiva but believe in total it was less than 30amps. The Parasound offers 180 amps in total current. The Parasound at full retail set me back 1500 above the retail for the DR3. The difference was more like 2200 after having to off the DR3 w/ depreciation. From what I understand the John Curl designed Parasound Halo line utilized the same power supply for the monoblock JC1+ 180 amps of current as the A31. 

I'd love to get ahold of three JC1+ mono blocks: www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PAJC1P&variation=BLK

So, yes, I agree, these amps can become as much as a car. 24-27 thousand dollars for 3 monoblocks. 

And I didn't mean to ignore you Chad. Your happiness is what matters. I on the other hand emptied my entire entertainment fund to purchase the flagship Tektons. I didn't expect the Emotiva amp to be the lackluster link in the system restraining the Ulfs. 

Boom found in his latest article similar obstacles w/ amps. I grew some from listening to Boom. Having 99db sensitive speakers I thought the DR3 had more than enough to produce  not only the listening levels but also true hifi fidelity. 

[rbk123]

Oct 5, 2020 13:21:15 GMT -5 @shimei said:

Just curious are we to respond to negative reviews describing Emotiva products as being subjective, opinionated, and/or lacking any truth? Is that the tactic to fill pages w/ technical jargon explaining away why on paper this electronic is better than the other?

All reviews are subjective and opinionated - whether negative or positive. Everyone has different ears and different biases - there is far more psychology involved than there is math/physics. Emo isn't the best out there; but the reality is there is no best.

[creimes]

Oct 5, 2020 13:34:53 GMT -5 @shimei said:

Oct 5, 2020 13:15:17 GMT -5 creimes said:

I wouldn't even want to know what Parasound, McIntosh or even the Canadian brand Bryston would cost me but I'm sure it would be more than what our one and only car we have is worth haha, so like I've mentioned before yet i don't believe it's true that only the rich can afford good SQ ?? as I'm very very happy with my system.

Chad

I wasn't expecting a "major" jump going from the Emotiva XPA-DR3 to the Parasound Halo A31. Both are 3 channel amps. Can't find the current specs for the Emotiva but believe in total it was less than 30amps. The Parasound offers 180 amps in total current. The Parasound at full retail set me back 1500 above the retail for the DR3. The difference was more like 2200 after having to off the DR3 w/ depreciation. From what I understand the John Curl designed Parasound Halo line utilized the same power supply for the monoblock JC1+ 180 amps of current as the A31. 

I'd love to get ahold of three JC1+ mono blocks: www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PAJC1P&variation=BLK

So, yes, I agree, these amps can become as much as a car. 24-27 thousand dollars for 3 monoblocks. 

And I didn't mean to ignore you Chad. Your happiness is what matters. I on the other hand emptied my entire entertainment fund to purchase the flagship Tektons. I didn't expect the Emotiva amp to be the lackluster link in the system restraining the Ulfs. 

Boom found in his latest article similar obstacles w/ amps. I grew some from listening to Boom. Having 99db sensitive speakers I thought the DR3 had more than enough to produce  not only the listening levels but also true hifi fidelity. 

I also believe in synergy of a system, some gear wont work as well with others, I've always found a lot of how do you say snobbish comments from people who own much more expensive gear when it comes to brands such as Emotiva, and not saying you but from past conversations over the years and I have always found it interesting as it's practically all some can afford so it's not necessary fair to the ones who have a certain budget. Tekton speakers are big on my list to try one day but with our dollar and shipping those behemoths it's not justifiable to me lol.

We actually have a move planned into a bigger home for the family and I won't have the room to easily set up a HT setup so most of my stuff is for sale on CAM and I will keep a few little things for a little 2ch setup. Partly due to space constraints and partly due to needing extra funds to make the house upgrade a possibility to begin with, I will have to sacrifice to get into a bigger better home for the family which sucks in a way because I've only had the XMC-2 for 3 months but gotta do what I gotta do.

I wish I was close and come hear those Tektons, but I'm in a small city in Canada and there isn't much in the way of gear like that around me lol

Cheers,
Chad

[Deleted]

Oct 5, 2020 14:11:48 GMT -5 creimes said:

Oct 5, 2020 13:34:53 GMT -5 @shimei said:

I wasn't expecting a "major" jump going from the Emotiva XPA-DR3 to the Parasound Halo A31. Both are 3 channel amps. Can't find the current specs for the Emotiva but believe in total it was less than 30amps. The Parasound offers 180 amps in total current. The Parasound at full retail set me back 1500 above the retail for the DR3. The difference was more like 2200 after having to off the DR3 w/ depreciation. From what I understand the John Curl designed Parasound Halo line utilized the same power supply for the monoblock JC1+ 180 amps of current as the A31. 

I'd love to get ahold of three JC1+ mono blocks: www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PAJC1P&variation=BLK

So, yes, I agree, these amps can become as much as a car. 24-27 thousand dollars for 3 monoblocks. 

And I didn't mean to ignore you Chad. Your happiness is what matters. I on the other hand emptied my entire entertainment fund to purchase the flagship Tektons. I didn't expect the Emotiva amp to be the lackluster link in the system restraining the Ulfs. 

Boom found in his latest article similar obstacles w/ amps. I grew some from listening to Boom. Having 99db sensitive speakers I thought the DR3 had more than enough to produce  not only the listening levels but also true hifi fidelity. 

I also believe in synergy of a system, some gear wont work as well with others, I've always found a lot of how do you say snobbish comments from people who own much more expensive gear when it comes to brands such as Emotiva, and not saying you but from past conversations over the years and I have always found it interesting as it's practically all some can afford so it's not necessary fair to the ones who have a certain budget. Tekton speakers are big on my list to try one day but with our dollar and shipping those behemoths it's not justifiable to me lol.

We actually have a move planned into a bigger home for the family and I won't have the room to easily set up a HT setup so most of my stuff is for sale on CAM and I will keep a few little things for a little 2ch setup. Partly due to space constraints and partly due to needing extra funds to make the house upgrade a possibility to begin with, I will have to sacrifice to get into a bigger better home for the family which sucks in a way because I've only had the XMC-2 for 3 months but gotta do what I gotta do.

I wish I was close and come hear those Tektons, but I'm in a small city in Canada and there isn't much in the way of gear like that around me lol

Cheers,
Chad

I agree w/ you. I agree that all gear doesn't work well together. I found the Ulfs forcing a conservation about the working relationship w/ the Emotiva gear since day 1. Question is, why? 

And I hope I don't appear snobbish to you Chad. I am not rich. Financed my Ulfs. Received my new home from an inheritance. In other words I was given a silver spoon. The spoon was placed into the mouth of a person which lived under a bridge eating dog food [homeless for a time] thinking nothing of the finer things of life. I was equally happy there as now here, the Lord giveth and taketh away. I'm just hoping the very things that may destroy me [love of money] aren't being received  for those means. 

I'm in Idaho, Nampa, if ever in the nearby area lemme know. We can arrange a demo. Would love to have you as my guest. 

Enjoy,
William

[creimes]

Oct 5, 2020 21:46:11 GMT -5 @shimei said:

Oct 5, 2020 14:11:48 GMT -5 creimes said:

I also believe in synergy of a system, some gear wont work as well with others, I've always found a lot of how do you say snobbish comments from people who own much more expensive gear when it comes to brands such as Emotiva, and not saying you but from past conversations over the years and I have always found it interesting as it's practically all some can afford so it's not necessary fair to the ones who have a certain budget. Tekton speakers are big on my list to try one day but with our dollar and shipping those behemoths it's not justifiable to me lol.

We actually have a move planned into a bigger home for the family and I won't have the room to easily set up a HT setup so most of my stuff is for sale on CAM and I will keep a few little things for a little 2ch setup. Partly due to space constraints and partly due to needing extra funds to make the house upgrade a possibility to begin with, I will have to sacrifice to get into a bigger better home for the family which sucks in a way because I've only had the XMC-2 for 3 months but gotta do what I gotta do.

I wish I was close and come hear those Tektons, but I'm in a small city in Canada and there isn't much in the way of gear like that around me lol

Cheers,
Chad

I agree w/ you. I agree that all gear doesn't work well together. I found the Ulfs forcing a conservation about the working relationship w/ the Emotiva gear since day 1. Question is, why? 

And I hope I don't appear snobbish to you Chad. I am not rich. Financed my Ulfs. Received my new home from an inheritance. In other words I was given a silver spoon. The spoon was placed into the mouth of a person which lived under a bridge eating dog food [homeless for a time] thinking nothing of the finer things of life. I was equally happy there as now here, the Lord giveth and taketh away. I'm just hoping the very things that may destroy me [love of money] aren't being received  for those means. 

I'm in Idaho, Nampa, if ever in the nearby area lemme know. We can arrange a demo. Would love to have you as my guest. 

Enjoy,
William

Hey William,

There is no one here I find snobby haha, this was from other online forums, a few times on Canuck Audio Mart I suggested an Emotiva amplifier and was pretty much gunned down in flames by people that apparently were too wealthy to absurdly buy something of such junk, I mean the guy even had a budget but yet people get on there and say he will never have enjoyment in his life unless he spends multitudes of thousands of dollars. I have a good ear but I wouldn't say it's the best haha, I like it when my music sounds alive and detailed which others may not and that's what makes this journey different for all of us. I tried an expensive Marantz processor at one time because of all the hype you hear about Marantz from so many for so many years and for me it was a huge let down for 2ch listening, but that's just me, I actually preferred my older Sherbourn PT-7020C4 to it for 2ch reproduction.

I have been around enough years to understand a lot of things and for most credit is how we get the things we want, some just have bigger incomes to pay it back haha, and some save for it, heck credit has allowed me to obtain most of my lower priced gear I have had over the years. I have some very well off friends that luck has helped them along the way and I have a few very well off friends that have worked very hard to get where they are, that's just life, for some it comes easy and for some it comes hard. I appreciate the offer for a demo, I wish we were able to travel, even if we were travel isn't something I have ever spent much money on lol. I have an uncle in Texas but haven't been down since the early 90's as he usually comes up to Canada every summer. My Dad and Stepmom actually went down to Tennessee about 7 years back and loved it, wish I could have tagged along.

Also I am very glad things have worked out for you, I could only wish that for everyone, I do find that many have too much and it takes over their perception of reality, I scroll through Netflix and there is shows like selling Malibu I think it is and I'm certain those are aliens and not actual human beings bahahaha, have you seen what all the Kardashians make in a year, it floors me to think any one person needs that kind of income ??

Cheers,
Chad

[jslim49]

This may be the wrong place to post this .
I'm new to Emotiva and finally had time
to evaluate my new XPA 2 Gen 3 . And so
far I'm digging . I pushing polk audio
RTI a7's . And they rise to the occasion
without breaking a sweat . And that bottom
end is I can't find the words that describe
what I'm hearing . I'm all smiles .

[garbulky]

Oct 7, 2020 13:06:20 GMT -5 jslim49 said:

This may be the wrong place to post this .
I'm new to Emotiva and finally had time
to evaluate my new XPA 2 Gen 3 . And so
far I'm digging . I pushing polk audio
RTI a7's . And they rise to the occasion
without breaking a sweat . And that bottom
end is I can't find the words that describe
what I'm hearing . I'm all smiles .

That's great that you are having some good sound! Don't you like it when a plan comes together?? Sweet bliss

[theswede]

Oct 5, 2020 12:36:10 GMT -5 @shimei said:

Does anyone actually want to address the 'harsh transistor' like sound described by reviewers? Other reviewers also have chimed in with 'masculine'.

I realize the amp is comprised of more than one part but operates as a system in a system. Having said that, I moved away from both the XPA Gen 3 to the DR series only to feel they lacked the desirable fidelity. I wasn't bout to search or hunt down out of warranty old gear as I wasn't attached to Emotiva branding.

My current amp has a permanent place in my system. If I am understanding correct Keith used 1 amp for all that is necessary for 8 watts into an 8 ohm speaker and another passed excess off as marketing for high current Amps. The Parasound Halo A31 passes 60+ Amps per channel. The mid bass range blossomed when compared to Emotiva. Mind you the ohm load for my speakers dives to 2.3 ohms in the mid bass region. I'm confused as to why if all the math shows one thing the overall fidelity says another.

Okay, I'm ready to be confronted by the Borg. Assisimilate me if you will. I'm ready to loose my artsy side for harsh, masculine, transistor like expression!

I think most on here are more loyal to Emotiva than they are to themselves so the answer would be they are not. 

I've played around with the XPA G3 for a few years now comparing to other amps and these amps have issues, that said they also present themselves as very or should I say extremely dynamic which is refreshing and a good thing. However when cranked up and with complex material such as a crowd cheering and/or hands clapping these amps fall apart at higher levels and you get an old style harsh transistor like result. The Emotiva fan crowd on here can try to ignore this but in the end it is what it is but does not negate the fact that these amps still have their merits. 

For me my XPA 7 are now only driving my 4 sub woofers up to 120hz (wasting 3 channels) but if I would not have experienced the dynamics at lower levels  getting it in the first place I would not have gotten the DR amps and recently changed the surround  amp so all in all these amps are in some ways game changers given their price point. 

[KeithL]

I'm going to offer a very simple non-answer here.

Yes... amps do in fact sound slightly different.

And, to be sure, people also have different preferences in the sort of sound that they prefer.

And, to make matters even more complicated, some of those differences are difficult to describe or explain.

For example, I'm not at all sure what exactly what Shimei means by "the mid bass range blossomed"...

If that means that it sounded "cleaner and clearer" then I would probably agree that's an improvement...

But, if he means that it sounds bigger and softer, like the way many tube amps make it sound, I'm quite sure I would NOT like it.

And that description is surely open to interpretation.

HOWEVER, the amount of current that a load requires is determined by its impedance and the signal that is applied to it.

So saying that an amplifier is capable of delivering some huge number of amps is like saying that a certain car can go very fast...

And, in that context, a Formula 1 race car can go a lot faster than my Nissan four door sedan...

But, if you drive them both at 30 mpH, then they will both be going at exactly the same speed...

The Formula 1 car may sound faster, or look faster, but it's what the speedometer says that determines how fast it's really going.

And, if you connect two amplifiers to the same load, and ask them to deliver the same wattage, then they will be delivering the same current.

It's a definition thing... when you calculate the current a certain load will draw when presented with a certain voltage there is only one answer.

There's no in-between... either both will be right or both will be wrong and there will be obvious distortion.

But being able to deliver 60 or 100 amps is really important for an arc welder... but not really important for an audio amplifier.

If you hear a difference... it's for some other reason.

Dec 11, 2020 14:35:39 GMT -5 theswede said:

Oct 5, 2020 12:36:10 GMT -5 @shimei said:

Does anyone actually want to address the 'harsh transistor' like sound described by reviewers? Other reviewers also have chimed in with 'masculine'.

I realize the amp is comprised of more than one part but operates as a system in a system. Having said that, I moved away from both the XPA Gen 3 to the DR series only to feel they lacked the desirable fidelity. I wasn't bout to search or hunt down out of warranty old gear as I wasn't attached to Emotiva branding.

My current amp has a permanent place in my system. If I am understanding correct Keith used 1 amp for all that is necessary for 8 watts into an 8 ohm speaker and another passed excess off as marketing for high current Amps. The Parasound Halo A31 passes 60+ Amps per channel. The mid bass range blossomed when compared to Emotiva. Mind you the ohm load for my speakers dives to 2.3 ohms in the mid bass region. I'm confused as to why if all the math shows one thing the overall fidelity says another.

Okay, I'm ready to be confronted by the Borg. Assisimilate me if you will. I'm ready to loose my artsy side for harsh, masculine, transistor like expression!

I think most on here are more loyal to Emotiva than they are to themselves so the answer would be they are not. 

I've played around with the XPA G3 for a few years now comparing to other amps and these amps have issues, that said they also present themselves as very or should I say extremely dynamic which is refreshing and a good thing. However when cranked up and with complex material such as a crowd cheering and/or hands clapping these amps fall apart at higher levels and you get an old style harsh transistor like result. The Emotiva fan crowd on here can try to ignore this but in the end it is what it is but does not negate the fact that these amps still have their merits. 

For me my XPA 7 are now only driving my 4 sub woofers up to 120hz (wasting 3 channels) but if I would not have experienced the dynamics at lower levels  getting it in the first place I would not have gotten the DR amps and recently changed the surround  amp so all in all these amps are in some ways game changers given their price point. 

[KeithL]

Different types of power supplies have different advantages and disadvantages.

It is true that most modern power supplies don't have a lot of what used to be called headroom.

However the way you interpret that sort of depends on how you think about it.

For example, would you rather have an amplifier that can deliver 100 watts continuously, and 200 watts peak...?

Or would you rather just have an amplifier that can deliver the full 200 watts continuously...?

The first one is a vintage 100 watt amplifier "with 3 dB of headroom"...

The second one is just a typical modern 200 watt amplifier...

(An amplifier with lots of headroom is simply an amplifier that can only deliver its maximum output for short periods of time.)

Let's look at something different...

Our XPA Gen3 amps have a FULLY REGULATED MAIN POWER SUPPLY.

Let's see a list of amplifiers with linear power supplies that can make that claim...

A regulated power supply delivers a consistent clean supply voltage - regardless of the load.

This enables the amplifier circuitry it power to deliver cleaner and more consistent performance.

(And it's one of the things that contributes to clear, clean, distortion free performance.)

Sept 28, 2020 6:17:06 GMT -5 cawgijoe said:

Sept 27, 2020 20:57:11 GMT -5 Cogito said:

Switching power supplies typically don't have much headroom. ANOTHER reason not to use them in power amps.

Just from my experience, not comparing the technology, my current XPA-5 Gen 3 sounds better to my ears than the XPA-5 Gen 1 I owned. There is plenty of headroom using my Thiel speakers....CS1.6 and SCS3.
It's not a huge difference, but I find the new Gen to be clearer and more defined.

[leonski]

Dec 11, 2020 17:49:08 GMT -5 KeithL said:

Different types of power supplies have different advantages and disadvantages.

It is true that most modern power supplies don't have a lot of what used to be called headroom.

However the way you interpret that sort of depends on how you think about it.

For example, would you rather have an amplifier that can deliver 100 watts continuously, and 200 watts peak...?

Or would you rather just have an amplifier that can deliver the full 200 watts continuously...?

The first one is a vintage 100 watt amplifier "with 3 dB of headroom"...

The second one is just a typical modern 200 watt amplifier...

(An amplifier with lots of headroom is simply an amplifier that can only deliver its maximum output for short periods of time.)

Let's look at something different...

Our XPA Gen3 amps have a FULLY REGULATED MAIN POWER SUPPLY.

Let's see a list of amplifiers with linear power supplies that can make that claim...

A regulated power supply delivers a consistent clean supply voltage - regardless of the load.

This enables the amplifier circuitry it power to deliver cleaner and more consistent performance.

(And it's one of the things that contributes to clear, clean, distortion free performance.)

Sept 28, 2020 6:17:06 GMT -5 cawgijoe said:

Just from my experience, not comparing the technology, my current XPA-5 Gen 3 sounds better to my ears than the XPA-5 Gen 1 I owned. There is plenty of headroom using my Thiel speakers....CS1.6 and SCS3.
It's not a huge difference, but I find the new Gen to be clearer and more defined.

There are Ratings to consider.      Last Generation of Pass amps, the X.5 series in particular the XA30.5 was 30x2 in 'A' while stereophile gave it nearly 6db headroom (about 130 1 % distortion)   Than WELL out of class 'A' bias.

NAD a few year ago featured high headroom designs.     They'd advertise maybe 6db.   

I LIKE headroom.   You can build a lighter amp with high headroom while the same power on a continuous basis would result in a much heavier amp.    Larger transformer and heat sinks, at least.  

Headroom is the inevitable end of a linear PS.    

It's tough to have it both ways.    People with a pair of XPA-1 monos on a single 15 amp circuit 'rely' on the huge capacitance for short term power.    This doesn't seem to be available with MOST switch PS designs.   That regulation is cool, of course, but than you ALSO have a 'soft' power line which may end up 110 or so......I shut down everything here in Summer if I see that on my meter.   Here we typically are at about 116 to 119.   Brownouts WRECK stuff.

[theswede]

This is interesting as the amp has been measured by stereophile already XPAG3 Test showing excessive amounts of intermodulation distortion with a 19/20khz test signal at 100w which is somewhat consistent with my and others "anecdotal" findings referred to as harsh transistor sound. Most of us 50 plus guys don't hear much above 12-15khz any longer and a bit more "energy" at the top end might not be a bad thing and it probably does not matter if it's "clean" or not meaning the amp can still sound good but have issues.

It seems to me a theme on this forum to distort general opinion with related facts in a confusing manner to try and silence constructive feedback which is a shame as I do honestly think the Emotiva gear in many ways are game changing and really good all in all given the price points including the XPA G3.

[Deleted]

Dec 14, 2020 15:53:28 GMT -5 theswede said:

It seems to me a theme on this forum to distort general opinion with related facts in a confusing manner to try and silence constructive feedback which is a shame as I do honestly think the Emotiva gear in many ways are game changing and really good all in all given the price points including the XPA G3.

They're called bullshitters. Though I am one to appreciate your tactfulness. 

In your case theswede you made an allusion to objective data and it is oftentimes explained away counter-intelligently or technically as if the end result doesn't exist causing one to doubt and question their own subjective observations [which were in this case backed by measurements]. 

I won't attempt to slap an other's cheeks or question one's motives and intentions behind the b.s. here.... but I do tend to get cheeky 

From the political, theological...... down to the lowly audiophiles I too notice an increased use of technicality & terminology to bewilder the enthusiasts and put them in information overload sending them off to find the prized red herring. In other words - a common denominator rears itself - human nature. For example, in any specialty one may appear quite intelligent by knowing "da lingo". A physician appears intelligent in their area of specialty and then when subject to another's such as the back yard garage hillbilly mechanic's explanation of the variable kaneurter valves, muffler bearings and rear tail light fluid  - the physician is left bewildered and bent over the table diss'n out the cash..... while shaking fists exclaiming, "Y dat frizzy hair brown eyed puckered ass" understanding too late how exactly that forked tongue gentlemen just emptied der's bank account while riding off into the sunset 

Tis why whenever down wind and sensing the b.s. meter is off the scale always ask someone to explain something to yas like a 4 yr old. Oftentimes the test of knowledge is our ability to share that knowledge w/ a wide range of demographics. 

End of rant. 

[audiobill]

It's called jargon; exists in every domain.

It's why I like to ask the simple question "But what does it sound like" despite having a long background in audio and electronics.

[leonski]

Here is the actual measured data from the Stereophile review.
I'll let YOU decide if it is or isn't important. And to what extent.
The Text portion has some clues which may account for audible.....artifacts.....(I'm not going to say 'problems')

www.stereophile.com/content/emotiva-xpa-gen3-two-channel-power-amplifier-measurements

And while I generally agree with audiobill, above, I"d add what I've said for years. 'Specs (to which I'll now add measurements) are advisory'. They don't mean muchin a vacuum but rather should be
taken as a whole to understand what they mean. Only a few measures are killer.....simple distortion or power are not among them.
I see a few red flags in the measured data, but would wait for manufacturers comment.

[Deleted]

Dec 14, 2020 23:46:51 GMT -5 leonski said:

Here is the actual measured data from the Stereophile review.
I'll let YOU decide if it is or isn't important. And to what extent.
The Text portion has some clues which may account for audible.....artifacts.....(I'm not going to say 'problems')

www.stereophile.com/content/emotiva-xpa-gen3-two-channel-power-amplifier-measurements

And while I generally agree with audiobill, above, I"d add what I've said for years. 'Specs (to which I'll now add measurements) are advisory'. They don't mean muchin a vacuum but rather should be
taken as a whole to understand what they mean. Only a few measures are killer.....simple distortion or power are not among them.
I see a few red flags in the measured data, but would wait for manufacturers comment.

Ya are forcing the function resulting in Emotiva's designated hitter! Reminds me of the double dog dare!!

That article was written in 2017. And since then.... . 

Emotiva's designated hitter nailed every pitch thrown by a poet out of the ball park..... 

In all seriousness wouldn't mind hearing your response after observing the next inning. ....... 

              

[leonski]

Amp wass modified after the review or did EMO simply issue a reply to the review in writing?

[rbk123]

Dec 14, 2020 15:53:28 GMT -5 theswede said:

as I do honestly think the Emotiva gear in many ways are game changing and really good all in all given the price points including the XPA G3.

I would agree with this for the Gen1/2 stuff, but not with the very large price increase that came along with the Gen 3 amp line, which is still almost entirely made in China.

[theswede]

Dec 15, 2020 9:32:11 GMT -5 rbk123 said:

Dec 14, 2020 15:53:28 GMT -5 theswede said:

as I do honestly think the Emotiva gear in many ways are game changing and really good all in all given the price points including the XPA G3.

I would agree with this for the Gen1/2 stuff, but not with the very large price increase that came along with the Gen 3 amp line, which is still almost entirely made in China.

I think they are still really good even though I don't doubt they may have been better value in the past. With the G3 they have a regulated a power-supply which really is a game changer in this price range and to me it's evident when listening to the amp approaching concert levels or thereabouts, its very different in the control,  dynamics and cleanness  you get compared to more traditional amps. I think this is why some referred to them as maskuline or something like that.  When I first got it I was seriously impressed with this attribute but over time and as you can tell with top heavy material/passages they got a bit too harsh for my taste so I repurposed the amp. 

That said they set a new standard for what I wanted and I am slowly getting there, the XPA-DR3 helped perhaps because I did not need to push them as hard for the same level but that's just speculation on my part,  maybe Emotiva did other changes to the DR amps that helped. 

I've done the 19/20khz test on some of my other amps and they also produce quite a bit of distortion even though it's a lot less than what Stereophile got on the XPAG3. We should remember that for the most part and in relative terms there is not much content above 12khz and if one consider people don't hear much above 15khz this distorsion might not be a big issue.