UPA-1 pair vs. XPA-2 (it had to be asked :p)

[soulrider4ever]

Looking at THD+N Ratio between the 2, it would seem the UPA-1 has a more 'accurate' music reproduction in the highs. So, could 1 conclude that if you want more slam in your music, get an XPA-2, but if you want more 'fine wine' type music at moderate listening levels, the UPA-1 would do a better job?

[teedub21]

The UPA1's aren't that much less power in the grand scheme of things. I'd be willing to bet you could turn them up as loud or louder and be more comfortable since they don't distort as much at the higher frequencies. I think more what you will get with the XPA2 is a "brighter" sounding amp, not necessarily more "slam". However, I'm running UPA1's, so I'm biased. They are a very smooth and natural sounding amp. I think they sound better than 2 channels of my XPA5 did running the same speakers.

[soulrider4ever]

I think that would be true for any speaker that's not 4 ohm. If you look at THD+N specs for each amp at full power.

UPA-1 = 0.279648 %

XPA-2 = Ch1 0.118162 %
Ch2 0.075378 %

Here is where the larger transformer seems to play a better role in the XPA-2. Blasting a 4-ohm load speaker ;D

[dave41200]

Hello...Since both of you seem very knowledgable, I would love to have your opinion on h elping a novice such as me.

I have asked this question before and have received some different opinions, but would like to hear yours.

I am about to purchase either a separate amp/pre-amp or Integrated amp for a 2-channel only set-up.

I have Definitive Technologhy 2002 TL speakers, which to my ears, sound great. They also have a built-in powered sub-woofer and 92 sensitivity.

I only plan to listen to music I donwloaded from I-Tunes. I can do that by connecting things to my Macbook or play the songs through my I-Pod. I think I might need to get a DAC box too, so I can improve the quality of these mp3's from I-Tunes that are now at 256kbs,

I also plan to listen to some 45 rpm vinyl records. Other than that, nothing else. No radio, no LP's, no CD's, etc.

I can tell you that I love processed music since I used to be on the radio and everything was compressed and processed to the max. I probably don't even know what natural sound even sounds like. And because of listening to processed music for 35-years, I might not like a true natural sound.

With this in mind here is what I was thinking, but would like some opinions and why.

1...Buy a pair of UPA 1's and the UPA pre-amp

2...Buy an XPA-2 and the UPA pre amp

3...Buy an Integrated Amp like the Anthem 225 that is at a great price.

Thanks for the help.
Dave

[altpensacola]

Feb 23, 2010 2:05:17 GMT -5 teedub21 said:

The UPA1's aren't that much less power in the grand scheme of things. I'd be willing to bet you could turn them up as loud or louder and be more comfortable since they don't distort as much at the higher frequencies. I think more what you will get with the XPA2 is a "brighter" sounding amp, not necessarily more "slam". However, I'm running UPA1's, so I'm biased. They are a very smooth and natural sounding amp. I think they sound better than 2 channels of my XPA5 did running the same speakers.

What speakers?

I'd be happy to hear any thoughts on the UPA 1's vs XPA 2 (or in our case XPA 5) for
Klipsch RF-7's with their infamous 2.7 ohm dips (somewhere around 1000 or 2000hz?).

[briank]

Hey Dave, Highly recommend 2 UPA-1's and the USP-1 for your 2 channel system.(plus a good DAC) The USP-1 is a very transparent pre-amp and the UPA-1 is an outstanding amp that seems to do everything right. The UPA-1 sounds extremely clear, natural, and provides outstanding detail. I've listened to the XPA-2 many times and it is a very fine amp, but I think the UPA-1 just sounds better, it's a bit smoother, more natural and musical and with detail resolution 2nd to no other amp that I've ever heard. This detail is obvious with both movies and music and it adds something special to the presentation of both. Happy Listening.

[ntrain42]

The difference in power output between the 2 is only about 1-1.5db. That aint much. Basically its barely audible. THe big difference is going to be in odd order harmonic distortion above 2khz and up(treble region). The UPA-1's have an advantage here. They will sound much easier on the ears to those who are sensitive to high frequencies. They will probably also exibit a slightly wider and more open soundstage since channel seperation and crosstalk is now limited to the source and/or preamps ability to seperate the channels. For about $600 your getting a much better bang for the buck IMO and only losing a slight bit of headroom.

[briank]

In real world listening, I'd have to confirm ntrain's assessment. The UPA-1 is a little "easier on the ears", and both soundstage and imaging are noticeably improved in my system. The amp seems quite powerful with excellent transient response, all of the muscial instruments, whether it be piano, sax, or violin just sound "right". Soft Jazz music is relaxing me to sleep almost every night now. With that said, this amp can rock the house also. I'm a big Fergie and Blackeyed Pea fan, and this amp can rock the house when playing their "The E.N.D." cd. I would go as far as to say that these amps are probably one of the best audio gear purchase I've ever made.

[teedub21]

One thing I have learned is just because a piece of audio gear measures ruler flat doesn't mean it will sound better. Having said that, I will repeat that my UPA1's do sound smoother on the high frequencies and have a more natural/neutral sound than my XPA5 did driving the same 2 speakers.

[roadrunner]

briank said:

In real world listening, I'd have to confirm ntrain's assessment. The UPA-1 is a little "easier on the ears", and both soundstage and imaging are noticeably improved in my system. The amp seems quite powerful with excellent transient response, all of the muscial instruments, whether it be piano, sax, or violin just sound "right". Soft Jazz music is relaxing me to sleep almost every night now. With that said, this amp can rock the house also. I'm a big Fergie and Blackeyed Pea fan, and this amp can rock the house when playing their "The E.N.D." cd. I would go as far as to say that these amps are probably one of the best audio gear purchase I've ever made.

Ah, come on. Don't be bashful... tell us if you like the sound of the UPA-1. You tell us that every night you listen to them they puts you to sleep. Are they really that boring?

Before these new amps destroy the foundation of your home (you did say they "rock your house") pack them up and ship them to me. My house is very sturdy, so you need not be concerned about damaging my house. I will hold you harmless should they "rock" my house. You are a good friend and I will take this enormous risk solely to protect you from further damaging your house. ;D ;D ;D

Aren't you glad to learn how selfless your friends can be?

[paintedklown]

It's funny that someone mentioned playing them at night to go to sleep...I have friends that HAVE to have music or the t.v. on to go to sleep at night. I am the exact opposite. I will lay there and listen to the music/t.v. instead of going to sleep. However, since getting the UPA-1s here I have actually been sleeping on my couch every night (I live alone so it's not THAT weird) and letting these amps sing me to sleep.

There is just something VERY relaxing about the way they sound. That, and they sound so good I don't want to spend any time NOT listening to them.

These amps really are amazing and every time I fire them up I get excited just knowing I own them. I know that may sound strange to some of you but these are my first pieces of "HI-FI" gear and every listening session I have is just flat out light years beyond anything I have owned before or even imagined these amps would be. Worth every penny and more IMO. I am going nuts telling everyone I know about them, but unfortunately, most people I know don't care about music OR movies that much. I can hardly get my friends to come over for a listen!!! Oh well....their loss.

[teedub21]

What is even more awesome is these amps are far from my "first pieces of HI-FI gear". I've owned a lot of gear from vintage tube amps purchased for less than $1000, a $9000 Audio Research tube amp, Pass Labs single ended class A solid state amps, $5000 Bryston mono block 7bst's, $9000 Cary tube mono-blocks, and on and on and these "cheap" little Emo mono-blocks are unbelievably satisfying to listen to. I kick myself for all the money I've spent over the years when I think about how much enjoyment I'm getting out of a $399 pre-amp (USP1) mated to a pair of mono-blocks that cost me $600 shipped! They just sound better than they have any right to at the price.

[honk]

Feb 23, 2010 11:01:47 GMT -5 ntrain42 said:

The difference in power output between the 2 is only about 1-1.5db. That aint much. Basically its barely audible. THe big difference is going to be in odd order harmonic distortion above 2khz and up(treble region). The UPA-1's have an advantage here. They will sound much easier on the ears to those who are sensitive to high frequencies. .

Why? Isn't it the same X-module technic than in the XPA-2/5?

[Nemesis.ie]

Same as the 3 or 5, the 2 is much diffferent. It's (UPA-1) a) a mono block and b) has a lot more secondary capacitors installed than the 3 or 5.

[briank]

Funny RR, glad to know you there to "help me out" by taking these amps off my hands for me and thus saving my home. Next you'll be trying to help me out by taking my girlfriend and "saving" me from marriage. Hmmm, that actually might be a good thing. Anyway it is funny that I go sleep listening to music these days. The problem is that it sounds so good, I can't turn it off and just go to bed. I just sit there, seduced by the sound, unable to move. . . . .

[honk]

What is the idle consumption of the upa-1?

40 W or 75 W?

[ntrain42]

Feb 24, 2010 2:12:09 GMT -5 teedub21 said:

What is even more awesome is these amps are far from my "first pieces of HI-FI gear". I've owned a lot of gear from vintage tube amps purchased for less than $1000, a $9000 Audio Research tube amp, Pass Labs single ended class A solid state amps, $5000 Bryston mono block 7bst's, $9000 Cary tube mono-blocks, and on and on and these "cheap" little Emo mono-blocks are unbelievably satisfying to listen to. I kick myself for all the money I've spent over the years when I think about how much enjoyment I'm getting out of a $399 pre-amp (USP1) mated to a pair of mono-blocks that cost me $600 shipped! They just sound better than they have any right to at the price.

Hehe, I used 7BST's for my old theatre setup. THey dont cost much to build em, your basically paying for that no questions asked 20 year warrenty. Good rock solid "pro" amps, just cost literally pennies to make.

[edoggrc51]

And for HT dynamics?? How do you guys think these amps will stack up to each other??

[Nemesis.ie]

I have 3 x UPA-1s on my fronts now (XPA-5 on surrounds) and no problems with punch/volume for HT - it's an awesome experience, the sound is truly 3D.

I've put up a mini-review in the user reviews section.

[soulrider4ever]

Well, I've got to say that I've only really heard reviews of the UPA-1 vs. the XPA-5 or UPA-2; while I would expect the UPA-1 to outperform both, the XPA-2 always outperformed both of those amps as well. It feels like it's back to the RPA vs XPA comments