Post by deepstage on Dec 25, 2023 17:15:26 GMT -5
Just swapped out my XMC1 with non updated HDMI board lastnight with a new XMC2. Don't have a 4K projector yet but had the Atmos speakers set up for years and needed to scratch that itch.
I have a Parasound A31 driving my main 3 speakers and had been using a UPA-700 for the other 4 speakers. But going to 11 channels left me 1 short. So I ordered a Monolith 5 channel amp. Was going to put that upstairs with the XMC1 later and get another 2 channel amp for the XMC2 system to get back to 11, with one channel to spare if one goes bad somewhere.
Now I've decided to simplify and just go with one amp for all the additional channels. Trying to decide on a BassX 11 which would give me some spare channels if one every went out. Or considering an XPA gen3 with 4 stereo modules to get the 8 I need. If I ever add more channels I could add on to it also.
Just don't know if they extra cost of the XPA route is worth anything. I believe the BassX actually had more power per channel and the specs all look similar as far as THD, damping factor, etc. Either would take the same rack space, simplify the wiring and perform great. The current UPA already is plenty and I'm completely happy with it. I don't think being able to use the balanced inputs of the XPA would benefit me at all. Everything is in a rack, the second amp will be right under the XMC2 (with plenty of air to keep things cool) and the signal runs will only need to be 1-2 feet.
So which route would you go?
I have a Parasound A31 driving my main 3 speakers and had been using a UPA-700 for the other 4 speakers. But going to 11 channels left me 1 short. So I ordered a Monolith 5 channel amp. Was going to put that upstairs with the XMC1 later and get another 2 channel amp for the XMC2 system to get back to 11, with one channel to spare if one goes bad somewhere.
Now I've decided to simplify and just go with one amp for all the additional channels. Trying to decide on a BassX 11 which would give me some spare channels if one every went out. Or considering an XPA gen3 with 4 stereo modules to get the 8 I need. If I ever add more channels I could add on to it also.
Just don't know if they extra cost of the XPA route is worth anything. I believe the BassX actually had more power per channel and the specs all look similar as far as THD, damping factor, etc. Either would take the same rack space, simplify the wiring and perform great. The current UPA already is plenty and I'm completely happy with it. I don't think being able to use the balanced inputs of the XPA would benefit me at all. Everything is in a rack, the second amp will be right under the XMC2 (with plenty of air to keep things cool) and the signal runs will only need to be 1-2 feet.
So which route would you go?
