Post by Chris on Jul 17, 2009 11:47:36 GMT -5
Hi,
I've been meaning to post a review of my recently purchased XPA-5 amp. I am now posting a short review that I originally posted on the audioasylum.com forum in response to a post about experience with Emotiva products.
Here's how I responded:
I own a BPA-1 stereo amp and recently purchased an XPA-5 multi-channel amp.
I am completely sold on Emotiva. I've enjoyed the BPA-1 amp for many years and it is a real winner considering it's modest size and original price (no longer available).
The XPA-5 has been a complete success and has really made the difference in driving my Martin Logan Vantage speakers. I now realize I was previously underpowered when driving my MLs. The XPA-5 really supplies the missing punch needed to drive these speakers. To give you some perspective, a while ago I had the treat of being able to audition the latest ML CLX driven by some very powerful very expensive amplification. I think at least 500 watts per channel mono blocks. This was state of art gear in a sound designed room. The versimilitude of the audio playback was spine tingling. After hearing that system and going back to my Vantage I felt a bit of letdown. Fast forward a few months and I finally take delivery of the XPA-5. The change was not subtle. I am now hearing the dynamics and realism in my audio playback that reminds me of what I heard when listening to the CLX speakers.
I don't know if you could not get similar performance from an equally powerful amp as the XPA-5, but I doubt that you could do it less expensively.
I see from various posts around the net that is popular to take pot shots at Emotiva because they are so inexpensive and made in China (designed in the USA). How could they be any good? Well obviously, they have a different sales model. As to quality, I always let my ears and common sense guide me. Also, if build quality and heft are of any indication, the XPA-5 is a mighty beast. It was all I could do to wrestle this 90 lb. monster by myself into my equipment rack.
Do yourself a favor and check out this innovative company.
-CB
I've been meaning to post a review of my recently purchased XPA-5 amp. I am now posting a short review that I originally posted on the audioasylum.com forum in response to a post about experience with Emotiva products.
Here's how I responded:
I own a BPA-1 stereo amp and recently purchased an XPA-5 multi-channel amp.
I am completely sold on Emotiva. I've enjoyed the BPA-1 amp for many years and it is a real winner considering it's modest size and original price (no longer available).
The XPA-5 has been a complete success and has really made the difference in driving my Martin Logan Vantage speakers. I now realize I was previously underpowered when driving my MLs. The XPA-5 really supplies the missing punch needed to drive these speakers. To give you some perspective, a while ago I had the treat of being able to audition the latest ML CLX driven by some very powerful very expensive amplification. I think at least 500 watts per channel mono blocks. This was state of art gear in a sound designed room. The versimilitude of the audio playback was spine tingling. After hearing that system and going back to my Vantage I felt a bit of letdown. Fast forward a few months and I finally take delivery of the XPA-5. The change was not subtle. I am now hearing the dynamics and realism in my audio playback that reminds me of what I heard when listening to the CLX speakers.
I don't know if you could not get similar performance from an equally powerful amp as the XPA-5, but I doubt that you could do it less expensively.
I see from various posts around the net that is popular to take pot shots at Emotiva because they are so inexpensive and made in China (designed in the USA). How could they be any good? Well obviously, they have a different sales model. As to quality, I always let my ears and common sense guide me. Also, if build quality and heft are of any indication, the XPA-5 is a mighty beast. It was all I could do to wrestle this 90 lb. monster by myself into my equipment rack.
Do yourself a favor and check out this innovative company.
-CB
